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| Chad M. Boustany D.D.S., M.S. |
Reasons for a Gummy Smile and How to Treat It
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Posted on 6/6/2022 by Kate Stone |
 If you feel self-conscious about your smile because it appears too gummy? You are not alone. Many people tend to have a gummy smile caused by excess gum tissue that shows when they smile. Read ahead to know the reason and how to treat it.What Is Gummy Smile and Its Causes?A gummy smile is a medical condition where your gum tissue shows more than usual when you smile. It is also called "excessive gingival display." Your gums may cover up to 3 millimeters or more of your upper teeth. It can make your teeth look "short" and make you feel self-conscious about your smile. Several possible causes of a gummy smile, like excess gum tissue, are the most common cause of a gummy smile and are simply due to having more gum tissue than average. There is usually no underlying medical condition associated with this gummy smile. An anomaly in the gum line (such as an overgrowth of the gum tissue) can cause the gum line to appear higher than usual. Crowded teeth can also cause the gum line to appear higher than average and contribute to a gummy smile. Lastly, if your teeth are not positioned correctly (due to an overbite or underbite), this can also result in a gummy smile. How To Treat Gummy Smile?If you are looking to correct the gummy smile, a few treatment options are available. One option is to have surgery to remove the excess gum tissue. This procedure is called a "crown lengthening" and can be done by either a periodontist or an oral surgeon. Another option is to use braces or other orthodontic devices to move the teeth into their proper position. It will help correct any positioning issues that may contribute to your gummy smile. Lastly, you can use special dental appliances called "retainers," which can help hold the teeth in their proper position. Give us a CallIf you are unsatisfied with your gummy smile, options are available to help correct the problem. Talk to our dentist Dr. Chad Boustany about which option is right for you. Please do not hesitate to schedule an appointment at our dental clinic. To learn more, give us a call at (304) 467-4265 today. |
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