Do you feel like too much of your gums show when you smile? You’re not alone! This is known as a gummy smile, and it’s something many people feel self-conscious about. The good news is that there are several ways to treat it. A gummy smile can have different causes, and treatment varies depending on the specific contributing factors.
Below is an overview of the most common causes of gummy smile and common treatments.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
There isn’t just one reason someone might have a gummy smile—there are a few common causes:
- Extra Gum Tissue: Sometimes the gums simply cover more of the teeth than usual. This can be due to inflammation, or medications that cause gingival overgrowth (ex. phenytoin, cyclosporine).
- Small or Short Teeth: If the teeth appear short or small, more gum tissue shows. This can happen due to altered passive eruption, occurs when the gum tissue fails to move to its normal position during tooth eruption, and covers more of the tooth than it should. This makes the teeth appear shorter than they are and can create a gummy smile.
- Short Upper Lip: A naturally short upper lip may not adequately cover the upper teeth and gums when smiling. This can be genetic and unrelated to the lip muscle.
- Hyperactive Upper Lip: Some people have a lip that lifts higher than average when they smile, exposing more gums. In some individuals, the muscles responsible for elevating the upper lip (primarily the levator labii superioris and levator labii superioris alaeque nasi) are overactive. This results in excessive upper lip movement when smiling, even if the teeth and gums are positioned normal.
- Overgrowth of the upper jaw: This is also known as Vertical Maxillary Excess, or VME, and happens when the upper jawbone grows too far downward. Because of this extra vertical growth, the teeth and gums are pushed lower. With the upper jaw being too long, the gums are much more visible when you smile.
How Is a Gummy Smile Treated?
Ideal treatment for gummy smile depends on the specific cause. Here are common treatment options:
Braces or Aligners
If the teeth or bite need adjusting, orthodontic treatment can help shift everything into a better position and reduce how much gum shows. This often involves temporary anchorage devices (TADs), which can help move the teeth upwards and reduce how much gums are shown.
Gum Tissue Contouring
Sometimes the gum tissue needs contoured or reshaped to show more of the teeth. Esthetic crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure that removes excess gum tissue (and sometimes bone) to show more of the teeth. Laser gingivectomy is a minimally invasive approach that reshapes the gum line, often used in milder cases.
Lip Botox or Lip Repositioning Surgery
If a hyperactive upper lip is the cause, Botox or a similar procedure can help limit how high the lip lifts when you smile. This typically temporarily relaxes the lip muscles, limiting lip movement and reducing gum display. Lip repositioning surgery is a minor surgery that limits the motion of the upper lip, restricting its upward movement during a smile.
Jaw Surgery
In more severe cases, especially if the upper jaw is overgrown, as in vertical maxillary excess (VME), jaw surgery might be the best solution. Orthognathic (jaw) surgery is the gold standard for moderate to severe VME. This allows the upper jaw to be repositioned upward, reducing gum display and improving overal facial balance.
You Don’t Have to Hide Your Smile
A gummy smile can result from a variety of causes. Accurate diagnosis is important for selecting the most ideal and effective treatment. In some cases, a combination of treatments—orthodontics, surgery, and cosmetic dentistry—yields the best esthetic results. Consulting with an orthodontist ensures a personalized and comprehensive approach. Dr. Danielle Godley is a board-certified orthodontist at in Zionsville, IN, who treats gummy smile. Whether it’s through orthodontics, a simple gum procedure, or other treatments, your orthodontist can help you achieve a smile you feel confident about!
To book a complimentary consultation with Dr. Godley, schedule online or contact our team at Godley Family Orthodontics.
