Your appearance is the first thing that people notice about you and the important aspect of your appearance is to have a beautiful smile. A bright smile is considered to boost your self-esteem and make a good impression in today’s image-conscious world. But sometimes you may notice having a smile that exposes your gums more than required which may not be aesthetically pleasing. This is known as a “gummy smile”.
Read on to learn about the best treatment options offered by cosmetic dentistry in Livermore, CA to fix your gummy smile and achieve a beautiful smile.
What is a gummy smile?
A gummy smile is a condition that exposes more of your gum tissues in proportion to your teeth when you smile, which is also known as an excessive gingival display. Ideally for you to have an aesthetically pleasing smile your upper lip should just be above your upper teeth (about 0 to 2 mm). This is a common problem among people today which may be a cause of embarrassment or insecurity among them. Gummy smiles can be caused by an array of issues with your jaws, developmental problems, incorrect bite, and a short upper lip. However, there are several options for treating a gummy smile by both non-surgical and surgical methods.
What are the most effective treatment options to correct a gummy smile?
Discuss your condition with your dentist who will conduct a thorough evaluation and advise any one of the following treatment options:
- Crown lengthening
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- This procedure involves removing the excess gum tissues (gingivectomy) to expose more of the crown of the tooth. Dentists also sculpt the gum line to make it higher.
- Furthermore, it also involves the removal of the excess bone and shaping the jawbone (osseous surgery)
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Botulinum toxin (BT) injections
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- BT, popularly known as Botox, can be used in dentistry
- It is a popular neurotoxin that helps relax the upper lip muscles to correct a gummy smile.
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Orthodontic treatment
- If the gummy smile is caused due to the downward movement of the upper teeth or excessive growth of the upper jawbone it may be managed by an orthodontist using suitable dental appliances.
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Surgery
- If all the treatment options fail to correct a gummy smile, your dentist may opt for surgical procedures to move the teeth upwards.
Ultimately if you are not satisfied with your gummy smile and want to correct it, seek dental care as soon as possible. Your dentist will recommend the best possible solution depending on the cause of the gummy smile.
