Solutions for a Gummy Smile

Are you self-conscious about your smile? Do you feel that your smile reveals too much of your gum tissue? If the answer to one or both of those questions is yes and you feel self-conscious about a smile that reveals excessive gum tissue, you're not alone. A gummy smile can result from a variety of factors, including excess gum tissue or a hyperactive upper lip. Regardless of the cause, it can affect your confidence and how you feel about your appearance.

Fortunately, several non-surgical treatment options are available to address this concern. At WoodSprings Dentistry, we offer solutions such as veneers, Botox, and gum contouring to help create a more balanced, confident smile.

 
a before and after picture showing a woman enjoying the benefits of cosmetic dentistry solutions for a gummy smile
 

What is a “Gummy” Smile?

The simple answer to the question, “What is a ‘gummy’ smile?" is a smile that reveals more gum tissue than usual. While the amount of gum tissue displayed in a smile varies from person to person, a gummy smile shows more than 2 millimeters of gum tissue above the upper teeth. 

The technical term for a gummy smile is ‘excessive gingival display.’ This condition can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Excessive Gum Tissue: Some individuals naturally have excess gum tissue when they smile. 

  • Hyperactive Upper Lip Muscles: Hyperactive upper lip muscles cause the upper lip to rise higher when smiling, revealing more gum tissue. 

  • Short Teeth: When natural teeth are shorter than average, your gums might be more visible. 

  • A short upper lip tends to reveal more gum tissue. 

Non-Surgical Treatment Options For a Gummy Smile

For many causes of a gummy smile, non-surgical treatment options are available, such as: 

Botox Treatment for Gummy Smiles

Only one or two units of Botox are necessary to correct a gummy smile. Botox is injected into the area between your upper lip and nose to temporarily freeze the muscles that contract or elevate when you smile, enabling you to smile without exposing your gums.

Dermal Fillers

Lip fillers effectively address a gummy smile, offering noticeable improvements without invasive surgery. When combined with Botox treatments, dermal fillers can further minimize a gummy smile. 

After lowering the upper lip with Botox injections, dermal fillers can enhance the size of the lip to conceal gums that are visible beyond three millimeters. Fillers of hyaluronic acid or collagen add volume and hydration to the lips. 

Laser Treatment

Using a dental laser, our dentists at WoodSprings Dentistry can reshape your gums, lengthen your teeth, and remove excess gum tissue. For your comfort, a local anesthetic is administered to ensure a pain-free experience during the procedure.

Porcelain Veneers

To address a gummy smile with porcelain veneers, the dentist can apply thin, custom-made porcelain shells to the front surfaces of the teeth. This cosmetic procedure lengthens the teeth while enhancing their overall appearance and proportions, resulting in a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.

Gum Contouring

Gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure designed to remove excess gum tissue and refine the shape of the gum line. At WoodSprings Dentistry, our experienced dentists use this technique to address uneven or "gummy" smiles, creating a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance. By reshaping the gum line, the procedure enhances the proportion of the teeth and contributes to a more harmonious overall smile. 

Enhance Your Smile with Confidence with Cosmetic Dentistry Solutions for a Gummy Smile

If you’re concerned about the appearance of a gummy smile, WoodSprings Dentistry in Spring, TX, offers a minimally invasive solution. in addition to cosmetic dentistry treatment options, our dentists can administer Botox injections to reduce excessive gum display, providing noticeable results with little to no downtime.

If you are looking for a dentist in The Woodlands or a dentist in Spring, TX, who can address the cosmetic issues of a gummy smile, call WoodSprings Dentistry today. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Samantha or Dr. James Tejada to explore personalized treatment options for achieving a more balanced and confident smile.

Joelle Allen