Many people feel self-conscious when they smile because their gums stick out too much. This is called a “gummy smile.” Your confidence may drop, and you may not be able to laugh and smile easily.
Luckily, there are a number of dental procedures that can fix gummy smiles and give you a more even, attractive smile that you can be proud of. The reasons behind gummy smiles are talked about in this article, along with the different treatments your dentist might suggest to get the result you want. Want to learn more? Speak to a Wichita Falls cosmetic dentist today!
Figuring out why people get gummy smiles
A number of things can cause a gummy smile. One common cause is gingival hypertrophy, which means too much gum tissue. This can happen because of your genes, changes in your hormones, or some medicines you take.
A short toothcap is another reason. This means that the part of the tooth that you can see looks short compared to the gum tissue. This might be because of your genes or worn-down teeth. When you smile, a hyperactive upper lip that lifts too much can also show more gum tissue than you want.
Here are some treatment options for getting a balanced smile
The good news is that there are effective ways to fix gummy smiles. The best way to treat it will depend on what is causing it. Let us go over some of the most popular choices here:
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Laser gum contouring
A laser is used in this slightly invasive treatment to carefully remove extra gum tissue. It is a quick and painless way to change the shape of the gum line and make the gum-to-teeth ratio more even.
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Orthodontic treatment
To fix a gummy smile caused by crooked teeth or a bad bite, you may benefit from orthodontic treatment like braces or clear aligners. With orthodontics, your teeth can be moved gradually into a better position, which could make your gums less visible when you smile.
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Lengthening the crown
If the teeth are already short, crown lengthening may be suggested. A small amount of gum tissue and bone around the tooth is removed during this treatment to make the natural tooth crown show through more. Crowns, also called caps, can be put on the teeth to make them look normal and nice.
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Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are made to match the color and shape of your other teeth. On the front of your teeth, they are attached, and they can be used to make your teeth look longer by hiding extra gum tissue. For a more even and confident smile, veneers are a strong and long-lasting option.
Here are some more things to think about
If you want to get rid of a gummy smile, you should talk to a skilled dentist first. They can look at your specific situation and tell you the best way to proceed.
Many things will be considered, such as how bad your gummy smile is, how healthy your teeth are, and what you want to happen.
It is important to know that for some treatments, like laser gum reshaping and crown lengthening, the patient may need local anesthesia to make them more comfortable.
But thanks to improvements in dentistry technology, these treatments are now less painful and less invasive than ever.
Get a smile that you can share with confidence
You can make your gummy smile something you are proud of with the right treatment plan and a skilled dentist by your side. You should not be afraid to make an appointment with a dentist to talk about your worries and find out what treatments will help you get the smile you want to show everyone.
