Gummy
Smile......
 A "gummy smile," or excess
gingival display, is a condition where too much pink tissue
can be seen when a person speaks or smiles. Approximately
7% of men and 14% of women have excess gingival display in
full smile. A gummy smile is usually associated with an enlarged
upper jaw, a short upper lip, short upper front teeth, or
a forward position of the front teeth. This condition may
also result from disproportionate lip length or tooth height.
A
gummy smile can be corrected by orthodontic treatment, periodontal
surgery, jaw surgery, or a combination of these procedures.
In general, active treatment time with orthodontic appliances
ranges from 1 to 3 years. The actual time depends on the growth
of the patient's mouth and face, the cooperation of the patient,
and the severity of the problem. Custom-made appliances are
designed by the orthodontist according to the problem being
treated. They may be removable or fixed (cemented and/or bonded
to the teeth), and made of metal, ceramic or plastic. By placing
a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction,
braces can slowly move teeth through their supporting bone
to a new desirable position.
The
actual cost of treatment depends on several factors, including
the severity of the patient's problem and the treatment approach
selected. You will be able to thoroughly discuss fees and
payment options prior to beginning treatment. Most orthodontists
offer convenient payment plans to patients. Generally, treatment
fees may be paid over the course of active treatment. Arrangements
commonly offered in orthodontic offices may include an initial
down payment with monthly installments, credit card payment,
finance company agreements, and other innovative ways to make
treatment affordable.
Periodontal
Gingiva Reshaping
 The adjacent preoperative treatment
photo represents the extent to which our patient's gum tissues
had grown over the course of his treatment.
Crown Lengthening and tissue recontouring procedures were
performed on a tooth by tooth basis.
IV sedation was used to assure absolute comfort during treatment,
along with Valium and Versed. The medications were very successful
in creating an almost ideal treatment environment for the
sensitive patient.
 The adjacent picture shows the natural
appearance of normally sized tooth structure relationships
on both the upper and lower arches.
The crown lengthening, gingival reshaping and recontouring
treatments were performed shortly before orthodontic treatment
ended to assure a great looking cosmetic result after the
braces are removed.
Performing this procedure too early, for some patients, can
result in the overgrowth condition to occur again.
Gum
Contouring with Dental Lasers to fix Gummy Smiles
Some people
possess teeth that simply look too “short” for their gums,
creating what is commonly called a “gummy” smile. Gum contouring
can fix that problem by removing extra gum tissue to expose
more of the crown of the tooth.
Using
a diode laser, your dentist can accurately sculpt your gum
line, crafting the right fraction between gum tissue and tooth
surface. First, your dentist applies a local anesthetic to
the gums and removes the extra gum tissue. Then, your dentist
will use the laser to reshape the edges of your gums that
form a smile. The laser vaporizes and closes the excess gum
tissue, avoiding cutting and bleeding.
Gum contouring
generates a more balanced smile with an even gum line. When
your gums are well-contoured, they look healthy, giving you
a more attractive smile.
Gum contouring
with the diode laser usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes
if only a small quantity of tissue needs to be removed. For
larger quantities, then gum surgery called crown lengthening
is required and is accomplished in one to two hours. This
surgery involves a four to six week healing period.
Once your
dentist reshapes your gum line, you can also receive porcelain
veneers to further improve your appearance.
If your
dentist trims too much gum tissue, the mouth may fail to heal
properly, leading to swelling and more treatment.
Gum contouring
ranges in cost depending on the complexity of the case.
Gummy
Smiles - Visit with your cosmetic dentist today
Most people
with gummy smiles feel embarrassed in social situations as
they stress over who’s focusing on their large gum line.
Cosmetic dentists have made things easier. You can achieve
your desired smile in a couple simple visits. Treating a gummy
smile does not mean extensive surgery and lots of pain. In
fact, it’s one of the easiest dental flaws to treat.
When you’re ready to make-over your smile, schedule a consultation
with your cosmetic dentist to discuss your dream smile and
your concerns.
Most cosmetic dentists state that when you smile, your upper
lip should fall where your gum and two front teeth join.
To get a healthy, attractive smile, techniques such as lip
repositioning and crown lengthening are used.
Cosmetic
Dental Techniques to Treat a Gummy Smile
Repositioning
your lips
As one
of the techniques used to treat a gummy smile, lip repositioning
is most often used with crown lengthening but can also be
used on its own.
To treat, your cosmetic dentist takes out some of the tissue
on the inside of your upper lip. After removal, your cosmetic
dentist stitches the lip to your gums. Stitching prohibits
the muscles that lift your lip from revealing an excessively
large gum line.
Lip repositioning is usually performed under local anesthesia
and takes about 45 minutes to complete.
Pros and
Cons of Lip Repositioning
Pros
- Fast
- Easy
- Visible results
Cons
- Usually
has to be done with crown lengthening
- Your
cosmetic dentist can only remove a small amount of your lip
Crown
Lengthening
As one
of the procedure in treating a gummy smile, crown lengthening
consists of gum tissue removal. While you’re under anesthesia,
your cosmetic dentist eliminates some of the gum tissue. This
removal lengthens your teeth.
Usually done in just one visit, crown lengthening only requires
about two hours to complete.
With advanced technologies and higher training, treating gummy
smiles has never been easier. Consult your cosmetic dentist
and discuss your treatment options.
Pros and
Cons of Crown Lengthening
Pros
- Quick
- Easy
- Inexpensive
Cons
- If the
procedure shows the root of your tooth, you may have to get
veneers.
TEETH
IN AN HOUR -
NOBELGUIDE
Teeth In An Hour is a new protocol that allows patients to
leave the office with fixed teeth in less an one hour.
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