Gummy Smiles

If your gums show noticeably when you smile, or if your teeth seem to be unevenly covered by your gum tissues, then you may have what is commonly referred to as a gummy smile. Excessive or uneven gum tissues can make your smile seem misaligned, even if your teeth are perfectly straight. Aside from their appearance, the uneven distribution of your gums can make it more challenging to keep them free of plaque and tartar, increasing your risk of periodontal disease. The good news is that your dentist may be able to fix your smile’s appearance and the symmetry of your gums with cosmetic gum contouring. The procedure is minimally invasive, and can typically be performed at your general dentist’s office.

Causes of Gummy Smiles

You may potentially develop a gummy smile for a variety of different reasons, or combination of reasons. For instance, abnormal teeth and/or jawbone development can result in uneven gums, or hyperactive muscles can cause your upper lip to expose more of your gums than normal. Before recommending an appropriate treatment, your dentist will perform a comprehensive examination to determine the cause and how much of a risk the condition poses to your long-term oral health.

Treatment Options

Your oral health is unique, and patients who exhibit gummy smiles may do so for different reasons. Depending on the exact cause of your gummy smile, the issue may be simply cosmetic, or it may present a risk to the rest of your oral health. Therefore, the best solution may be cosmetic gum contouring, or you may require the expertise of an oral health specialist to address underlying disorders with your oral or facial structures.