Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures for a Gummy Smile

Posted on: July 13, 2020

cosmetic dentistry Marietta, GA

Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of dentistry that aims to address aesthetic issues like a gummy smile. Your smile is one of the most noticeable parts of your appearance, and it can be the difference between making a good or bad impression.

One common reason that people seek cosmetic dentistry is to address gummy smiles. This is a condition where one or more of a patient's teeth are covered up by gum tissues. When they smile, more gum tissue than teeth is revealed, making the person's teeth appear abnormally small. A gummy smile can also lead to a person's upper lip being positioned higher than normal.

How cosmetic dentistry treats gummy smiles

There are multiple factors that can lead to a person developing a gummy smile. Some people are born with excessive gum tissues, while it might develop with age for others. Factors that can lead to a gummy smile include:

  • Genetics
  • An overgrown upper jaw
  • Poor tooth eruption
  • Neurological disorders

There are a few treatments for patients to choose from when it comes to their gummy smile. These treatments have been proven to be an effective way to get rid of excess gum tissue over the years.

Treatments

Crown lengthening: This has emerged as a standard way to treat a gummy smile. The procedure involves reshaping gum and bone tissues so teeth appear longer. Local anesthetics are used during the process, and incisions are made into the patient's gums. It can take up to two weeks to recover from crown lengthening. It is a safe procedure with a high success rate at eliminating excess gum tissue. The procedure can be performed using traditional dental tools or lasers.

Orthodontics: Some patients might need to have their teeth realigned to fix their gummy smile. For such people, treating their gummy smile might involve wearing oral appliances like clear aligners and braces that move a person's teeth to a better alignment over time. Improving the alignment of teeth can address a gummy smile and improve the patient's dental health.

Vertical maxillary impaction: This is a type of corrective surgery that involves repositioning the patient's jaw upward. It is one of the most invasive treatments and comes with a longer recovery period. The oral surgeon removes bone segments during the treatment, allowing them to move the maxilla.

Get the treatment you need

Excessive gum tissues can lessen the aesthetic appearance of your teeth by making your teeth appear short. Treatments like crown lengthening can be used to fix your gummy smile and restore your confidence. Call or visit our Marietta clinic to learn more about treatments that can be used to improve the appearance of your smile.

Request an appointment here: https://drsykes.com or call Robert S. Sykes, DDS at (770) 873-7241 for an appointment in our Marietta office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.


Related Posts

March 15, 2024

How a Dental Sealant Can Prevent Cavities

A dental sealant is a thin coating of composite resin that protects your teeth from decay. It is applied to the pits and grooves of your teeth’s biting surfaces, preventing bacteria, food …

March 1, 2024

4 Dental Restoration Options for Damaged Teeth

A dental restoration is required to restore tooth structure lost due to tooth decay or injury. Dental restorations fix teeth that have been cracked, chipped, fractured or have cavities. Various restoration techniques …

February 8, 2024

Are Composite Dental Fillings Permanent?

Composite dental fillings are one of the popular ways to deal with tooth decay nowadays. These restorations do not last forever, but they can last up to 10 years with good oral …

February 1, 2024

How Often Does a Child's Teeth Need a Cleaning From a Family Dentist?

A common mistake that parents make is assuming that regular family dentist visits for their child are not necessary because baby teeth will fall out, anyway. However, the health of the child’s …