When you look in the mirror, do you notice that your smile is not proportionate? Do your gums take up more space than your teeth? If you said yes to either of these, you may have a gummy smile. Normally, a gummy smile is a cosmetic issue that is relatively common. In fact, up to 10% of people between the ages of 20 and 30 consider their smiles to be too “gummy.” If you want to get rid of your gummy smile, there are treatment options available.
Causes
There are a few things that can cause a gummy smile.
Genetics
Genetics can play a role in developing a gummy smile. If you have smaller teeth, it can make your smile look disproportionate. Additionally, your jaw can affect the look of your smile. Having a larger jaw can make your gums appear larger compared to your teeth. Also, a short upper lip can give you the look of a gummy smile.
These are not issues that you can help or prevent. However, each of these causes is treatable. From dental veneers to lip fillers, you can minimize the look of your gummy smile.
Poor Oral Health
Unfortunately, poor oral health can create a gummy smile. Your teeth should not be the sole focus of your oral care routine. Gums need just as much care and attention as your teeth. Without good oral hygiene, plaque can build on the surfaces of your teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky bacteria that clings to the surfaces in your mouth. Over time, it can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Consequently, it is gum disease that can begin to create a gummy smile.
Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can deteriorate the soft tissues and even bone over time. Some of the symptoms of gum disease include red or inflamed gums. Additionally, you can experience gum swelling, which can contribute to a gummy smile. Gum disease will continue to advance if not treated properly.
This is not uncommon with people who wear braces. Without a dedicated hygiene routine, it can be difficult to clean around traditional braces. In addition, you typically need to use a special dental floss in order to remove plaque around the wires and brackets.
Treatment Options
Depending on the cause of your gummy smile, your dentist can offer you a few options.
Gingivectomy
A gingivectomy removes part of the gum tissue to create a more proportionate smile. In fact, you may recognize the root part of gingivectomy as being similar to “gingivitis,” which is another name for the beginning stage of gum disease. This is because they both concern the “gingiva” or the gum tissue. Therefore, a gingivectomy can remove the excess tissue to give you a dazzling smile.
To reduce pain and bleeding, dentists can use a laser to remove the gum tissue. Lasers can reduce your recovery time as well.
Veneers
Dental veneers can help lengthen your teeth and even out your smile. Veneers are thin porcelain shells that your dentist will cement to your teeth. With veneers, your dentist can give you the smile of your dreams.