There is a multitude of reasons as to why you may not be happy with your smile. Your teeth may have become stained or may present gaps, crowds, misalignment, etc. When this happens, you reduce the need to smile because you don’t feel like it. Along with this, you’re concerned about being judged because of a bad smile.
One particular issue with poor smiling confidence has a gummy smile.
What Is A Gummy Smile?
Do you show more of your gums than your teeth when you smile? This is a basic definition of a gummy smile. It is formerly known as Excessive Gingival Display, where there is a high proportionate of gum tissue being on display more than your teeth.
Yes, gummy smiles can be treated. Consult your dentist on this, and the best viable treatment will be discussed with you.
What Are The Causes Of A Gummy Smile?
The higher exposure of gum tissue compared to your teeth is a sign of a gummy smile. However, why do you experience it, and what are its causes?
Poor Jaw Alignment
Jaw alignment helps to ensure a perfect bite. However, when the top jaw doesn’t align properly with your bottom jaw, then this is known either as an overbite, where the upper jaw overlaps the lower jaw presenting a large gap, or an underbite, where the lower jaw overlaps the upper jaw causing the upper teeth to remain behind the lower teeth. This can cause your teeth to become crooked as well.
Hyperactive Upper Lip
Genetics are also a key reason for a gummy smile. This is something known as a hyperactive upper lip. This occurs when the upper lip muscles and under the nose are hyperactive, meaning a continuous use of muscles can expose your gum tissue.
Higher Amount of Gum Tissue
Sometimes, having too much gum tissue is a culprit for a gummy smile, meaning an overgrowth of the gum tissue in comparison to your teeth. This also makes any gum swelling or injuries more visible. Any inflammation can also cover your teeth.
How Do I Fix A Gummy Smile?
The dentist will determine what caused the gummy smile in the first place. So, certain treatments are available depending on its cause.
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a recommended deep cleaning procedure when your gums are inflamed. This procedure reaches deep into the gum pockets around the tooth to remove bacteria and heal infections. The inflammation reduces once the infection is removed.
Gum Lifting
Gum lifting treatment involves removing some of the gum tissue around the teeth so that the gum is restructured to be higher, which means more of your teeth become visible.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment involves straightening the jaw if a gummy smile is caused by upper teeth movement or too much growth of the upper jawbone. Orthodontic appliances can be used to push your teeth upward gradually.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is often required when the tooth needs a new crown or restoration. It is often treated for conditions such as a gummy smile because teeth are too short, decay below the gum line or a fractured tooth underneath the gum line.
Get Treated To Resolve Your Gummy Smile Today!
When you smile, you want to show off those pearly whites, and for them to be covered by excessive gum tissue can naturally damage your smiling confidence. These available treatments are painless and straightforward. Consult your Springvale Dental Clinic dentist on the best gummy smile treatments to resurrect the confidence in your smile!
