Is a gummy smile unhealthy?

A gummy smile, also known as “altered passive eruption” is a smile that exposes too much gum line while you smile. Generally, 3 to 4 millimeters of exposed gumline is considered a gummy smile. Several reasons cause a gummy smile unhealthy:

• Jaw development problem
• Overly short upper lip
• Excessive vertical growth of maxilla bone
• Incorrect bite

Whether you want to cure your gummy smile for cosmetic reasons or you want to treat these underlying concerns, there are solutions available.
A gummy smile does not impose serious health risks. But it can become a cause of embarrassment and insecurity for many people.

How to fix a gummy smile?

Apart from being an unappealing appearance, a gummy smile is also a sign of poor dental health, which needs medical treatment from your dentist. You can have inflamed and sore gums, gum disease, and poor breath. Many options can fix your gummy smile.

Orthodontic treatment

Orthodontic treatment may be an excellent alternative if your gummy smile is because of a jaw problem or an incorrect bite. Your orthodontist can eliminate both the pain and suffering produced by these conditions and the cosmetic issue of a gummy smile by addressing these underlying concerns.

Dental crowns and veneers

Veneers or crowns are a viable remedy for a gummy smile if there are no dental health problems. The placement of a veneer or crown on your teeth is entirely cosmetic. Your dentist or orthodontist will use veneers or crowns to make your teeth look longer, which will make your teeth look more proportionate to your gum.

Lip repositioning surgery

Your doctor may recommend lip repositioning surgery if your gummy smile is due to your lips. The operation shifts your lip position concerning your teeth.
In this treatment, the dentist or orthodontist removes connective tissue from the bottom of your upper lip. It will keep the elevator muscles in your lip and nose from raising your top lip to prevent a gummy smile.

Gingivectomy

If You are considering surgical surgery to address your gummy smile, a gingivectomy is one of the most common alternatives. A gingivectomy is a crown-lengthening operation in which an orthodontist removes gum tissue from the tooth to expose more of the original tooth.
A gingivectomy reduces the quantity of gum tissue on your teeth to make them more proportional. This process is more intrusive than putting a veneer or crown. It is also known as gum contouring surgery.

Conclusion

A gummy smile is not a concern for many patients. Though gummy smiles may be a cosmetic issue for more self-conscious people, they rarely cause complications. Individuals with excessive gum should consult with a dentist to ensure that there are no major health concerns.

Contact your Danville dentist, Dr. Hoss Abar, DDS, MSD at Danville Orthodontics now to learn more about gummy smile.

*Neither this nor any other content in this media is meant to prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. We highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition.