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A beautiful smile is all about balance—between the teeth, gums, and lips. If too much gum tissue is visible when you smile, it can create what is commonly known as a gummy smile. While this condition is not harmful, it can make some individuals feel self-conscious about their appearance. Fortunately, modern cosmetic dentistry offers solutions to correct a gummy smile and enhance facial harmony.
At Mitzi Morris, DMD, PC in Roswell, we provide advanced treatments to reshape the gum line and achieve a more proportionate smile. Understanding the causes of a gummy smile can help determine the best approach for correction.
Common Causes of a Gummy Smile
Several factors can contribute to excessive gum display when smiling. These include:
- Excess Gum Tissue (Gingival Overgrowth) Some people naturally have more gum tissue covering their teeth, making their teeth appear smaller than they actually are. This condition can be genetic or a result of certain medications or gum irritation.
- Short Teeth (Altered Passive Eruption) Teeth that appear short or stubby are often the result of the gums covering more of the tooth structure than normal. In some cases, the teeth may be proportionate, but they haven’t fully erupted past the gum line.
- Hyperactive Upper Lip (High Lip Mobility) If the upper lip moves too high when smiling (also called lip hypermobility), it can expose more of the gum tissue than desired. This condition is caused by overactive lip muscles that contract excessively when smiling.
- Jaw Alignment Issues (Vertical Maxillary Excess) A gummy smile can also be linked to jaw development. If the upper jaw is too long or protrudes downward, it can cause excessive gum exposure when smiling. This skeletal condition is known as vertical maxillary excess (VME) and often requires orthodontic or surgical correction.
- Worn Down Teeth (Attrition) When teeth become worn down due to grinding (bruxism) or acid erosion, the proportion of gum tissue to tooth structure can increase, making the gums look more prominent.
How Common Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile is more common than you might think. Research suggests that approximately 10% of young adults between the ages of 20 and 30 have excessive gum display when they smile. It is more prevalent in women than in men, with some studies indicating that 14% of women show excessive gums compared to 7% of men.
How Dr. Mitzi Morris Can Fix a Gummy Smile
At Mitzi Morris, DMD, PC, we offer several cosmetic and restorative treatments to correct a gummy smile based on its cause:
- Gum Contouring (Gingivectomy or Crown Lengthening) If excess gum tissue is the issue, a gum contouring procedure can carefully reshape the gum line to expose more of the teeth. This procedure is minimally invasive and performed with precision to create a more balanced smile.
- Lip Repositioning Treatment For patients with hyperactive upper lip muscles, a simple lip repositioning procedure can reduce excessive lip movement when smiling. In some cases, Botox injections can be used to temporarily relax the upper lip muscles.
- Orthodontic Treatment If the gummy smile is caused by jaw misalignment, orthodontics or clear aligners may help reposition the teeth and jaw to create a more balanced smile.
- Porcelain Veneers or Dental Crowns If short or worn-down teeth are contributing to a gummy smile, veneers or crowns can be used to lengthen the visible portion of the teeth and improve proportions.
Achieve a Balanced Smile with Dr. Mitzi Morris
If a gummy smile is affecting your confidence, Dr. Mitzi Morris can provide personalized solutions to help you achieve the ideal tooth-to-gum ratio. Using the latest in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, our Roswell dental team offers advanced treatments to ensure natural, beautiful results.
Schedule a consultation today to learn more about your treatment options for a balanced, confident smile!