When you look in the mirror, you might often find yourself wondering if you should get certain dental treatments to finally achieve that amazing smile you regularly dream about. One of the common cosmetic problems people want to fix with their smile is a gummy smile. Your gummy smile might make you feel self-conscious and take a hit on your self-confidence. If this sounds like you, you might benefit from gummy smile treatment from Irresistible Smiles.
What is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile is when someone smiles and their gums appear more predominant than their teeth. The gums rest lower than they traditionally should. The gummy appearance will make teeth look small or short. When someone with a gummy smile smiles, their gums will draw the attention away from their attractive teeth. Most people don’t like this appearance but only a few actually visit their dentist to fix the problem.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
Your first impression of your gummy smile might be that your teeth are just short but there are actually a few reasons why you might have a gummy smile.
Excess Gum Tissue
One of the top causes of a gummy smile is excessive gum tissue. When you have too much gum tissue, it makes your teeth look shorter because your gums are actually covering a portion of your teeth that they shouldn’t. Your teeth only partially erupted from your gums. Excess gum tissue can also occur due to a condition known as gingival hypertrophy.
Short or Worn Teeth
Some people have a gummy smile because their teeth are actually too worn or short. This can happen as a result of clenching and grinding your teeth. Genetics can also cause shorter teeth.
Short Upper Lip or Upper Lip That Lifts Too High
Another cause of gummy smiles is a short upper lip. When your upper lip doesn’t have much tissue, to begin with, it will reveal more of your gums naturally. If your upper lip raises too much when you smile, it can also cause a gummy-looking smile.
Jaw Problems
If your upper jaw has an overgrowth (vertical maxillary excess), it can cause your gums to bulge and disrupt your smile proportions.
Top Reasons to Treat Your Gummy Smile
So why should you bother fixing your gummy smile? If you’re happy with your gummy smile, then, by all means, keep it as is! However, most people don’t love the look. After treatment, you can look forward to a lot of amazing benefits. For one, you will feel more confident in your smile. You won’t feel embarrassed every time you open your mouth, smile, or talk in front of others. This new confidence can bleed into other areas of your life too and help you become more outgoing and confident at work. What would you do with more confidence in yourself?
Treating your gummy smile might also help you take better care of your oral health. Once you have a smile you love, you will feel more inspired to brush and floss your teeth and visit us for regular dental cleanings and exams. Your oral health will improve and so will your overall health!
Gummy Smile Treatment Options in San Diego
Fortunately, if you want to treat your gummy smile, we have a lot of options to help you! Before we can recommend a specific treatment, you will need to book a consultation with Dr. Safarian. He will evaluate your smile and determine which option will give you the best results possible.
Gum Lift Surgery
One of the best treatments for gummy smiles is gum contouring, or gum lift surgery. This treatment consists of removing the excess gum tissue from around your teeth. This will expose more of your natural teeth and less of your gums when you smile. The treatment is fast, effective, and relatively pain-free. Dr. Safarian uses a dental laser to make the most precise cuts possible to ensure your results look flawless. The dental laser also feels more comfortable than scalpels, promotes faster healing, and reduces bleeding and infection. Gum lift surgery provides instant results that will last a lifetime.
Porcelain Veneers
In some cases, your gummy smile is the result of having teeth that are too short. In these cases, we highly recommend porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic material that are bonded over your teeth. They can change your tooth’s shape, size, and color. We can make your veneers longer than your current teeth so that your teeth appear longer. This will take attention off your gums
Orthodontics
The last treatment we might recommend for your gummy smile is orthodontics. Patients who have a gummy smile as a result of jaw problems will need to correct these issues to help their smiles look less gummy.
Get Gummy Smile Treatment in San Diego Today
If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile, our San Diego cosmetic dentist can help. Please book a consultation at (619) 656-6785 today to find out which treatment can help you enjoy a confident and beautiful smile.