Gummy Smile

A "gummy smile" occurs when your gums are excessively exposed while smiling. Medically referred to as "excessive gingival display," it is diagnosed when more than 2mm of gum is visible when smiling. This common issue is typically caused by gum tissue overgrowth, but jaw positioning and development also play a role. People with a gummy smile may feel self-conscious about the size or prominence of their gums when they smile. It can also affect the smile's overall aesthetics, making it appear uneven or lopsided and the teeth disproportionately small. A gummy smile often coincides with a high lip line and a short upper lip. In this section, you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about gummy smiles.

The cost of gum exposure treatment depends on various factors including severity, underlying cause, and chosen procedure. Prices vary across different practices, often influenced by geographical location. Common treatments like gum contouring with a laser typically range from £150 to £250. Botulinum toxin (toxins) injections, on the other hand, can cost around £200 to £400 per treatment, and usually require repeating every four to six months.

Orthodontic treatments, which help straighten and reposition the jaw or teeth, alongside procedures like crown lengthening, can also be effective. For more advanced cases of correcting a gummy smile, the cost may range anywhere from £1,500 to £10,000.

In instances where jaw positioning is the cause, surgical options like lip or jaw repositioning may be more effective, though they can be more expensive, often costing several thousand pounds.

If left unattended, a gummy smile may worsen as the jaw develops and grows. It’s important to address any concerns regarding your child’s teeth or smile by consulting with a dentist. They can provide expert guidance and solutions to ensure the best oral health outcomes. Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional advice.

A gummy smile can be caused by an overactive muscle controlling the movement of your upper lip. This causes the upper lip to sit higher, revealing more gum tissue when you smile. In such cases, the use of toxins can help by suppressing the muscle activity, leading to relaxation and lowering of the lip. It may take up to two weeks for the full results to show after the treatment. However, it’s important to note that this specialised technique is not offered by everyone providing wrinkle-reducing injections. When it comes to your smile and gums, it is always safest to consult with an experienced dental practitioner. They can guide you through the process and ensure the best possible outcome.

Smiles are a powerful way to express emotions and are a central aspect of the face. For individuals with gummy smiles, it can lead to self-consciousness and can make them feel less attractive.

If you have a gummy smile caused by the muscle that raises your lip, there are solutions available. Toxins injections can effectively lower the lip by relaxing the responsible muscles. For a more permanent outcome or in severe cases, lip-lowering surgery is an alternative worth considering.

To address a gummy smile resulting from jaw positioning, there are surgical options available. Maxillofacial surgery can reposition the bone, while other alternatives include gum repositioning and lip-lowering surgery. Crown lengthening is another procedure that removes excess gum tissue, revealing more of the tooth crown and enhancing the appearance of longer teeth. This specialised dental procedure is typically performed by a periodontist.

Gummy smiles can be addressed through various treatments, depending on the severity of gum exposure and underlying causes. One popular option is laser gum contouring, which effectively reduces excess gum tissue. This procedure focuses on the front teeth, enhancing the tooth-to-gum ratio by delicately removing the exposed gum tissue. It is typically a straightforward and brief process carried out with local anaesthetic. The laser technology used seals off blood vessels, resulting in a speedier recovery time. In fact, you can expect to resume your normal activities within a few hours. So, if you’re looking to achieve a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing smile, laser gum contouring could be the solution for you!

In some cases, lip fillers can improve the appearance of a gummy smile if the top lip is positioned too high and is thin, leading to more exposure of the gums than if the lip was fuller. In this case subtle enhancement and balancing of the upper lip could improve the appearance of a gummy smile.