What is a Gummy Smile?

A smile is one of the first things people notice when making a first impression or meeting someone. It is a feature that is considered the universal language of happiness, positivity, and a form of pleased and kind expression. However, some individuals have an excess display of gum tissues, or gummy smile, when smiling, which can lead to self-consciousness and decreased confidence. Now there is no exact definition, but your perception of the gumline can be affected by the height and shape of the teeth, the angle of the jaw compared to the face, and the way the lips move when smiling. Usually, when 3 to 4 millimeters of the gum is exposed, it is considered disproportionate resulting in a gummy smile.

What Causes a Gummy Smile?

Several factors contribute to a gummy smile. We will take a closer look at some of the most common causes.

Genetics

Usually, the condition behind a gummy smile is genetic, so there is nothing you can do to prevent it. In rare cases, gummy smile is due to a hereditary condition called gingival fibromatosis (HGF). It is a slow and progressive enlargement of both the maxillary and mandibular attached gingiva which can cover the teeth or give you a gummy smile appearance. If the gummy smile is left untreated, it will not only affect the aesthetics of your smile but also the overall appearance.

Difference in Growth of Teeth

The way your adult teeth grow differs from person to person, and it can sometimes cause a gummy smile. The altered passive eruption is where the gums cover more of the teeth' surface when they grow out. Dentoalveolar extrusion is when the front teeth grow out too far beyond the other teeth, also known as overerupted, resulting in your gums having grown too far as well. And gummy smile can also occur from a condition called vertical maxillary excess when the bone of the upper jaw is longer than the typical length.

Difference in Lips

When the upper lip is too short to cover the gums, it can lead to a gummy smile. Also, when the upper lip is normal length when the face is resting, but lifts too high when smiling, also known as having hyperactive upper lip muscles, it can expose a lot of the gum tissues.

Are Gummy Smiles Normal?

Gummy smile is considered pretty common with estimates that about 14% of women and 7% of men have gummy smiles.

Is Having a Gummy Smile Considered Unattractive?

A radiant smile is often deemed the most appealing aspect of one’s appearance, and each person’s smile holds its own charm. Indeed, some individuals with a prominently gummy smile exude an aura of joy and beauty that captivates others. However, it is common for individuals with a gummy smile to perceive it as less attractive when they look in the mirror, rather than how others might view them. If you find yourself uncomfortable with your smile, rest assured that we’re here to assist you in making the changes that will enhance your confidence.

Gummy Smile Treatment Options

A gummy smile will most likely not improve on its own. If you are feeling self-conscious about your gummy smile, rest assured, there are several non-surgical and surgical treatments to help address excessive gum exposure.

Botox Treatment

Among the leading remedies for a gummy smile is Botox treatment. It is a highly effective solution for reducing excessive gum display when smiling, offering quick results. It is a safe and economical treatment typically lasting about three to six months, requiring minimal recovery time.

Dermal Fillers 

Another option is dermal fillers. By injecting fillers into the lips, this treatment plumps up the upper lips, thereby diminishing the visibility of gum tissues while enhancing lip volume. Fillers are a swift procedure, taking only around 10 minutes with instant results lasting for about six months to a year.

Oral Surgery (Gingivectomy)

Gingivectomy, also known as gum contouring, involves the removal of excess gum tissues. The doctor or dentist will inject local anesthetics into the gums and use a scalpel or laser tool to cut away pieces of the soft gum tissues. Once the tissues have been cut, the dentist will use a laser tool to vaporize the remaining tissues and shape the gum line. This method is the most popular option for addressing gummy smiles.

Porcelain Veneers

Another orthodontic solution for reducing the appearance of excess gum tissue involves the use of porcelain veneers or crowns. Ideal when there are no underlying dental issues, this treatment attaches veneers or crowns to the teeth, enhancing the length and size for a more balanced smile.

Orthognathic Surgery

If the jaw is the cause of excessive gum display, the dentist or surgeon may recommend orthognathic surgery. To prepare for the surgery, both doctor and orthodontist will scan your mouth and discuss the surgery plan. Orthognathic surgery, or double corrective jaw surgery, is under general anesthesia, and the surgeon will remove a section of bone from the upper jaw to balance the length of the upper and lower jaws. Then the jawbone will be reattached with tiny plates and screws. If the lower jaw sits too far back, it may also have to be adjusted.

Benefits of Gummy Smile Correction

The most obvious benefit of gummy smile correction is having a more harmonious and proportionate smile, boosting your overall appearance. This can improve your self-esteem and find yourself more confident in smiling. Lastly, correcting your gummy smile will improve your dental health. Reducing excess gum tissues will make oral hygiene practices more effective, as there is less gum area for food particles and bacteria to be trapped in.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation About Gummy Smile in Korea

Correcting a gummy smile can offer individuals newfound confidence and a more balanced and beautiful smile. If you are hiding your smile due to the excessive appearance of the gums, consider gummy smile correction surgery and make a consultation with Docfinderkorea today!

Inquiry page: https://docfinderkorea.com/quick-inquiry/

Email: inquiry@docfinderkorea.org

WhatsApp:

+(82) 10-5811-8806 (EN/РУC)

+(82) 10-5825-8806 (EN/IND)

+(82) 10-9574-8806 (EN/繁/簡/粵)