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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Looking for information on dental sealant treatment? General dentists are the go-to dental professionals for patients who want or need this effective preventive treatment. Those who are thinking about getting dental sealants …
Periodontics focuses on issues that affect the gum tissues. Periodontic dentists spend much of their time addressing issues like gum disease. Gum health is closely linked to overall health because according to …
Preparing for a tooth filling? Tooth fillings, also known as dental fillings, are one of the most common restorations used in dentistry. They are used to literally fill a tooth once infected …
A dental bridge works by filling up the gaps created by lost teeth. Dental implants or crowns support the pontic or prosthetic tooth from either side. Dental bridges provide many benefits, including …
Dental sealants can last upwards of nine years, which is an impressive amount of time…
Periodontal disease can lead to the bone structures that support teeth being damaged, which means…
Long ago, tooth fillings were only offered in a couple of select materials; however, modern-day…
If you need a tooth replacement to protect your teeth or gums, a dental bridge…
It is important to see your general dentistry office twice a year for regular cleanings…
If you have recently gotten braces from the family dentist, you will probably be aware…