Gummy Smile Correction

Are you covering your smile due to the appearance of excess gum tissue? This common cosmetic setback is referred to as a “gummy smile” and it is typically out of your control. Unfortunately, even the most attractive teeth can be sabotaged when too much gum shows during a smile. The good news is that gummy smiles can be fixed with the help of a skilled cosmetic dentist.

In most cases, a gummy smile is the result of either excess gum tissue between the upper teeth and upper lip or an overactive upper lip. In either case, a gummy smile can be corrected in a simple, minimally-invasive procedure.

Too Much Gum Tissue. When the upper teeth are covered by a “more than normal” amount of gum tissue, it can produce a smile that shows more gums than teeth. It can also make your teeth look much shorter than they actually are. To fix this, a cosmetic dentist can simply trim back the gum tissue to uncover more of your front upper teeth. In some cases, a minimally-invasive dental laser can be used to trim and reshape the gum line so that the gums give an attractive framework for your teeth instead of overpowering them.

Overactive Upper Lip. Gummy smiles can also be produced when the upper lip muscles are especially strong. When you smile, this may cause the upper lip to naturally rise higher than you want and expose excess gum tissue. In such cases, a simple injection of Botox into the upper lip can slightly relax the upper lip and ensure the gums are more hidden during smiling and laughing. While Botox is a quick procedure with no downtime, it is also temporary. The injection may need to be repeated after several months.

When it comes to the appearance of your smile, are your gums trying to steal the show? At the office of Dr. Mitzi Morris, we can ensure your gums provide a healthy and aesthetically pleasing framework for your teeth. For more information on gummy smile correction and other cosmetic dental treatments, please call our Roswell office.