If you have a gummy smile, there’s a good chance that Dr. Andrews can create a personalized treatment plan to correct your condition and help you feel confident in your smile!
As a Diamond Plus Invisalign Provider, Dr. Andrews is ranked in the top 1% of all Invisalign doctors in the nation. He has years of experience treating conditions of all severities with Invisalign.
If your gummy smile condition is treatable with orthodontics, you can rest assured that Dr. Andrews has the experience necessary to treat it! Here’s everything you need to know about this condition:
What causes gummy smile?
Gummy smile, or “excessive gingival display”, is characterized by a smile that reveals a significant amount of gum tissue. If 2 mm (millimeters) or more of gum tissue are shown when you smile, this is considered a gummy smile.
Common causes of gummy smile include:
- Orthodontic misalignment: When you have an orthodontic issue and your teeth and/or jaws are misaligned, this can cause an abnormal amount of gum tissue to show.
- Genetics: Some people are simply born with excessive gum tissue.
- Hyperactive lip muscles: Muscles in the upper lip can stretch too high causing more gum tissue to show than usual.
Different types of gummy smiles
There are four different classifications of gummy smiles, including:
- Anterior: Excess gum tissue shows above the front teeth (typically in between the two canines) in the upper jaw. This is especially the case for an overbite gummy smile, as your upper jaw protrudes more than a healthy one, which leads to more gum showing.
- Posterior: Excess gum tissue shows above the back teeth in the upper jaw.
- Mixed: Excess gum tissue shows above the front teeth and back teeth in the upper jaw.
- Asymmetric: Excess gum tissue shows on just one side of the mouth in the upper jaw.
How to fix a gummy smile
When you visit us for your complimentary consultation, Dr. Andrews will perform a comprehensive orthodontic exam (using advanced digital imaging) to assess your teeth, gums, and jaw alignment.
Dr. Andrews will then use these high-quality images, along with your digital impressions taken by our iTero® scanner, to determine the most effective route for gummy smile correction.
Any of the following treatment options (or a combination of treatments) may be included in your personalized treatment plan:
- Invisalign (or braces) – Orthodontic treatment using Invisalign or braces can be effective for correcting minor cases of gummy smiles. Both treatments guide teeth into the ideal positions to align the bite, which can significantly reduce gum tissue exposure.
- Gingivectomy – A gingivectomy, or gummy smile surgery, helps reshape excess gums to reveal the natural shape of the teeth. This treatment creates harmony between the gums, which are shortened, and the teeth, which are lengthened.
- Crown lengthening – With this technique, excess gum tissue and the basic bone are reshaped to uncover the full length of the teeth.
- Jaw surgery – In the event that a gummy smile is caused by moderate to serious upper jaw distension, an orthognathic (jaw) medical procedure may be the best treatment available to improve health and appearance.
How to determine the right treatment for gummy smile
The best way to determine the right treatment for your smile is by visiting us for a complimentary exam and consultation. There are several factors that may be contributing to your condition, and these require a professional assessment to create a truly personalized treatment plan.
We’re here to guide you, answer all of your questions, and help you make the best decision for your smile and overall health. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions in the meantime!
If you’re wondering what to expect on your first visit, here’s everything you need to know. Ready to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted? Request your complimentary consultation with us in Grovetown or Augusta today.