Reducing Excessive Gum Exposure
The ideal gum line falls evenly with the shape of the lips so that the smile exposes as little gum tissue as possible. Excessive gingival display, or excessive gums, occurs when the smile exposes more gum tissue than normal. Often called a “gummy smile,” this condition may cause teeth to appear smaller or uneven.
Some people with excessive or uneven gums may be reluctant to show their smile. Dr. Oliviero can help patients improve their confidence and reduce the appearance of gums with gum contouring.
Causes of a Gummy Smile
Excessive or uneven gums can be a result of many different factors. Jaw misalignment may cause the upper jaw to protrude, which gives the appearance of excessive gums. This protrusion may be a result of speech patterns shaping the jaw, genetics, or malocclusion. Abnormal tooth eruption is a common reason for excessive gingival display and may cause your teeth to appear crooked or uneven. Because the muscles in your lip dictate the exposure of your smile, sometimes a hyperactive upper lip muscle may expose too much gum tissue. Using digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, and bite analysis, Dr. Oliviero can diagnose the dental issue causing your gummy smile so that he can recommend the appropriate treatment.
Treatments for Excessive Gingival Display
There are many ways Dr. Oliviero can correct a gummy smile. At Dentistry on Broadway, we stay current with dentistry advancements and offer patients same-day treatment for excessive gum display. Using a soft tissue laser, Dr. Oliviero can reduce gingival tissue with a decreased risk of post-operative swelling.
For cases caused by a misaligned bite, orthodontic treatments such as braces or Invisalign can correct malocclusion and reposition the smile. After diagnostics to determine the cause of your gummy smile, Dr. Oliviero will work with you to determine the best treatment option.