Gummy Smile Treatment Vancouver, Kitsilano, Point Grey
Gummy Smile Correction & Treatment at VDSC
A gummy smile occurs when too much gum tissue shows above the upper teeth while smiling. For some, this is a minor cosmetic concern, while for others it may cause them to feel self-conscious and affect their overall quality of life.
At Vancouver Dental Specialty Clinic, we assess the cause of a gummy smile and recommend the most effective treatment. Our Prosthodontists provide solutions and treatment options that fit your budget, goals, and smile.
Common Causes/Reasons for a Gummy Smile
A gummy smile can result from several factors, and treating this condition depends on the cause of the excessive gingival display. Some of the causes and reasons why someone might have a gummy smile include:
Short Lips
Sometimes, a short upper lip can result in a gummy smile; in other cases, a normal-length but hyperactive upper lip can lead to gingival display, because the upper lip is elevated excessively while smiling or speaking.
Worn Teeth
When teeth are worn, a gummy smile occurs because they appear shorter, and the proportion of tooth and gum showing is altered. This is often followed by an overgrowth of gingival tissues and supporting alveolar bone, which worsens the situation.
Altered Passive Eruption
When teeth erupt and emerge from the bone and gums, a natural phenomenon occurs in which the surrounding gum tissue moves in the opposite direction. This process, known as passive eruption, involves the apical migration of the gum. However, this migration sometimes fails to occur, resulting in short clinical crowns and excessive gingival display. This condition, which causes a gummy smile, is referred to as Altered Passive Eruption.
Medications
Some medicines have chemicals that can cause inflammation of gum tissue as a side effect, which results in the appearance of a gummy smile. The most common medications are anti-epileptic, anti-depressants, and anti-hypertension medicines.
Skeletal Discrepancies
In many cases, the underlying factor of a gummy smile is the positioning and proportion of facial bones, particularly the upper jaw and lower jaw or the Maxilla.
Gummy Smile Treatments
Gingival/Gum Re-contouring (Gingivoplasty)
Gum re-contouring (gingivoplasty) is a minimally invasive treatment that is typically the best treatment option for mild cases of gingival overgrowth and altered passive eruption. This can be done with a laser or a minimal surgical incision.
Surgical Jaw Bone Repositioning
Surgical jaw bone repositioning may be recommended in advanced cases in which a significant correction is required.
Crown lengthening/Gum Reduction Surgery
This procedure is a very common and conservative method for improving excess gum tissue display. In this approach, we take a careful analysis of the smile and create a mock diagnostic setup to help define the amount of gum reduction needed. One of our experienced prosthodontists plans the procedure, while one of our periodontists performs the gum reduction.
Advantages of Seeing a Prosthodontist for a Gummy Smile
If you are seeking treatment for a gummy smile, seeing an experienced prosthodontist is the right choice to ensure the best overall results. A professional prosthodontist will conduct detailed, comprehensive extra and intraoral examinations and measurements within their scope of expertise.
Smile correction often involves addressing the underlying issues to ensure a balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile. By understanding the etiology, they can tailor the treatment to achieve the desired outcome for each patient.
At Vancouver Dental Specialty Clinic, a team of periodontists and prosthodontists works closely together to provide smile correction using evidence-based technologies and assessment techniques. Consequently, they aim to deliver the highest quality of care to clients concerned about their gummy smile.
Alternative Cosmetic Treatments for Gummy Smiles
Botox
A common treatment option for a gummy smile is Botox injections. Botox or botulinum toxin is used to temporarily paralyze overactive upper lip muscles. The muscles will move less and therefore cover the excess gum tissue when a person smiles.
However, Botox is a short-term fix. In order to maintain results, you will have to receive Botox injections every 2-5 months. Cosmetic dental professionals also have specific training and education when it comes to facial/oral anatomy and smile aesthetics. A cosmetic dentist will be able to provide you with professional, long-term results.
Lip Repositioning Surgery
Lip repositioning surgery is a relatively minor procedure that lowers the upper lip to reduce excessive gingival display. A small piece of tissue is removed from the inside of the lip, and the lip is reattached in a lower position.
By adjusting the position of the lip, the smile appears more balanced. This treatment provides longer-lasting results compared to Botox.
Orthodontics
In some cases, a gummy smile is caused by the misalignment of the teeth and jaws. Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, can shift teeth into a healthier and more balanced position. By correcting the bite and alignment, gum exposure may be reduced naturally.
