Do you feel self-conscious about revealing too much gum when you smile? Do your teeth sometimes appear short or imbalanced? An imbalance in the proportion of your lips, gums, and teeth can contribute to what's commonly known as a "gummy smile." Fortunately, at Gaither Perio and Dental Implants in Murfreesboro, TN, we offer effective treatments to help you achieve a more balanced and confident smile.
If your smile reveals a disproportionate amount of gum tissue, a gummy smile correction could be the ideal periodontal solution for you. A number of factors may influence the appearance of the teeth and gums when you smile; often, it's the interplay between your gums and upper lip that creates this visual imbalance. Fortunately, Dr. J. Wade Gaither and his team offer the expertise needed to address the aesthetics and health of your gums for a beautifully balanced appearance!
Understanding Your Smile Line
Your smile line, or the teeth visible when you smile, is influenced by several key factors:
- The shape and fullness of your lips.
- The activity of your facial muscles.
- The size and form of your teeth.
- The amount and contour of your gum tissue.
An aesthetically pleasing smile typically showcases the teeth with minimal gum exposure. Ideally, any visible gum tissue should have smooth, even contours that harmonize with the upper lip. Many of our patients with a gummy smile are ready to correct excessive gingival exposure to reclaim a beautiful, confident smile.
A gummy smile isn't always just a cosmetic concern. In some instances, it can be linked to underlying oral health concerns. For example, if the way your teeth erupted or your jaw developed contributes to your gummy smile, you might also experience an uncomfortable or improper bite, potentially impacting your long-term oral health. Factors that may cause the appearance of a gummy smile include:
- Altered tooth eruption: If teeth don't erupt fully, they can appear short and be covered by excessive gum tissue, even if they are the proper length.
- Excessive jawbone growth: The way your upper jawbone developed can lead to a protrusion within the gum tissue, resulting in a noticeable gummy appearance when you smile.
At Gaither Perio and Dental Implants, serving the Murfreesboro, TN community, we take the time to thoroughly diagnose the underlying cause of your gummy smile to recommend the most effective and long-lasting treatment options.
Personalized Gummy Smile Treatment in Murfreesboro, TN
If you're concerned about a gummy smile, Dr. Gaither and our experienced team in the Murfreesboro, TN area can provide a comprehensive evaluation and discuss your treatment options. We'll carefully examine your mouth, teeth, and gums to determine the extent of the excessive gum display and identify any contributing factors. This assessment may involve traditional or advanced digital impressions of your teeth and gums, as well as X-ray imaging to thoroughly evaluate your tooth roots and jawbone.
Based on your unique situation, treatment for your gummy smile at Gaither Perio and Dental Implants may include one or more of the following advanced procedures:
- Minimally Invasive Laser Gum Treatments: For minor cases of excessive gum tissue, same-day laser treatments can precisely and comfortably reshape the gumline, revealing more of your natural tooth structure.
- Surgical Lip Repositioning: In cases where an overactive upper lip muscle contributes to the gummy smile, a surgical lip repositioning procedure can limit the lip's upward movement, resulting in less gum exposure when you smile.
- Orthodontic Treatment (Braces or Aligners): If tooth eruption or jaw development plays a role in your gummy smile, orthodontic treatment can move your teeth into more ideal positions, improving the overall balance of your smile.
- Surgical Gingival Sculpting (Crown Lengthening): A periodontist can perform a crown lengthening procedure to effectively correct a gummy smile. This procedure involves the precise removal of excess gum tissue and, in some cases, a small amount of underlying bone, to expose more of the tooth's surface. This careful surgical sculpting creates a more harmonious and attractive gum line, and can be performed on a single tooth or multiple teeth to achieve an even, natural-looking smile.
- Maxillofacial Surgery: In more complex cases where the underlying jawbone structure contributes significantly to the gummy smile, maxillofacial surgery to reposition the bone may be recommended.
Each of these advanced gummy smile treatments at Gaither Perio and Dental Implants is designed to create a more balanced smile with less visible gum tissue and more beautiful, proportionate teeth.
Gummy smile correction procedures offered at our Murfreesboro-serving practice are designed to provide you with enhanced confidence, improved smile aesthetics, and the potential for improved periodontal health. For some patients, correcting a gummy smile through procedures like crown lengthening can also make it easier to maintain optimal oral hygiene, potentially reducing the risk of gum disease.
Balance and Rejuvenate Your Smile with Periodontal Care
Ready to transform your smile and boost your confidence with gummy smile correction? Contact Gaither Perio and Dental Implants today for a comprehensive consultation. Let our experienced team help you achieve the beautiful, balanced smile you deserve!
