Gummy smile
A gummy smile refers to the condition where an excessive amount of gum tissue becomes visible when a person smiles, making the teeth appear smaller or shorter in comparison. Normally, smiling exposes the upper teeth along with a small portion of the gums. However, in those with a gummy smile, more gum tissue is visible, disrupting the balance of the smile. This can be caused by various factors, including genetics, an overgrown upper jaw, a short upper lip, or an excess of gum tissue.
HOW TO TREAT
Non-surgical options offered at Paragon Aesthetics
Muscle relaxing injections are an effective option for treating a gummy smile. This condition occurs when the upper lip lifts too much, revealing excessive gum tissue. By targeting and relaxing the hyperactive muscles responsible for pulling the upper lip upwards, botulinum toxin injections reduce the movement of the upper lip, leading to a more balanced and natural smile.
The procedure is minimally invasive, requires little downtime, and typically lasts for three to four months. In skilled hands, it can create significant aesthetic improvements without the need for surgical intervention.
Patients who choose this treatment often see a reduction in the amount of gum exposed when they smile, and they experience greater confidence in their appearance. The results are subtle and natural-looking, helping to improve facial harmony. Muscle relaxing injections are a popular non-surgical approach for those seeking a less gummy smile.
Alternative surgical options
At Paragon Aesthetics, we only provide non-surgical treatments. However, in some cases, surgical options may be necessary to address the underlying causes of a gummy smile, such as jaw misalignment and gum recontouring. While we do not perform surgical procedures, our team can provide guidance on accessing these services and help determine if surgical intervention is appropriate for your situation. A complementary consultation with one of our team will allow us to assess the best treatment options, whether non-invasive or surgical, to achieve the desired results.
Gummy smile surgery
Gummy smile can sometimes be caused by an underlying issue with jaw positioning which in some cases may require surgical intervention to correct. Jaw surgery, typically reserved for more severe cases, involves repositioning the jaw to create a more balanced facial profile and a harmonious smile.
For less severe cases, alternatives to surgery may be available. Orthodontic treatment from a cosmetic dentist or orthodontist can help by straightening misaligned or crooked teeth, which can improve the balance of your smile and reduce the appearance of excessive gum tissue. In some cases, dental professionals may recommend mini-implants or temporary anchorage devices to move teeth more effectively and achieve the desired results.
Jaw surgery
In some cases, this may be caused by an underlying issue with the position of the jaw. In these situations, this can appear as a bad bite, deep bite or improper bite and may only be treated by looking down the surgical approach. Jaw surgery may be recommended to reposition the jaw and create a more balanced facial profile for an appealing smile.
Jaw surgery is typically reserved for more severe cases and is performed under general anaesthesia. Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the procedure. PHI Clinic London does not perform this treatment.
An alternative to jaw surgery is seeking professional advice from an orthodontist. Orthodontic treatment by a cosmetic dentist is another effective option for addressing this by seeking out a dental procedure. By straightening crooked teeth or misaligned teeth, orthodontic treatment can help balance the proportions of your smile and reduce the appearance of extra gum tissue.
By visiting an oral surgeon or dental professional, in some cases, your orthodontist may also recommend using mini-implants or temporary anchorage devices to help move your natural teeth and achieve the desired results.
Laser gum contouring
Laser gum contouring is a non-invasive procedure that reshapes the gums to improve the appearance of a gummy smile. Using advanced laser technology, excess gum tissue is removed, creating a more balanced gum line and exposing more of the teeth. The treatment is quick, typically completed in one visit, and offers immediate results with minimal recovery time. Ideal for patients with excessive or uneven gum tissue, laser gum contouring enhances smile aesthetics, making the smile look more proportional and youthful without the need for invasive surgery.