Whether you see them online or in person, virtually every smile that is universally considered “beautiful” has a few things in common. The big three are that the person’s teeth are astonishingly white, perfectly uniform, and you can see practically none of their gums while they’re smiling. If you’re lacking any of these qualities, the first two are easy to correct with cosmetic dentistry, but what about that last one? What if you see a lot of gum tissue every time you smile? What causes this, and better yet, is there anything you can do about it? Thankfully, the answers to these questions and more can be found in today’s blog.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
There isn’t a technical definition of what makes a smile “gummy” or not—the determination is in the eye of the beholder—but it tends to refer to a thick line of gum tissue that can be seen every time someone is trying to show off their pearly whites. This can develop for a few reasons:
- A person’s teeth are naturally short, so when the lips pull back, more of the gum line is visible.
- The way a person’s jaw has developed can make the gum covered portion longer than normal.
- The lips are hypermobile, as in they pull back too far and uncover too much of the gum line.
How to Fix a Gummy Smile
Fortunately, a gummy smile is a relatively common issue that cosmetic dentists fix all the time, and a few of the most highly recommended treatments include:
- Laser Gum Recontouring: A dental laser is used to painlessly remove excess gum tissue and reveal more enamel.
- Veneers: Thin sheaths of porcelain are placed over the teeth to help them appear longer.
- Teeth Whitening: Sometimes, simply whitening the teeth is enough to make them more prominent than the gums.
Which One is Right For You?
Suffice it to say, if you’re unhappy with your gummy smile, you don’t have to just live with it. A cosmetic dentist can lengthen your teeth, reduce your gum line, or both to give you that perfectly balanced look you desire. Often, this process can be completed in just one or two appointments, and the various procedures are comfortable and require minimal recovery time.
All you need to do is contact a cosmetic dentist, let them know about your goals, and they’ll point you in the right direction. Before you know it, your own smile will be the one that causes envy for everyone who sees it!
About the Author
Dr. Allan Mohr is a cosmetic dentist on Long Island with more than 30 years of experience. He is considered a leader in the field of aesthetic dentistry, and you can see a few examples of how he’s helped other patients with gummy smiles here. To talk to him about your situation and learn how he could help you achieve your dream look, contact him today to schedule a consultation.