Is there a treatment for gummy smiles?

A “gummy smile” (or excessive gingival display) is a condition where a person’s smile shows an excessive amount of gum tissue. While this condition is not a health concern, it can create an imbalanced appearance and cause a person to feel self-conscious about their smile. 

At Periodontal Health Center, we have treatment options for anyone who has a gummy smile and wants to reduce the appearance of excess gum tissue! Everyone deserves a healthy mouth, healthy body, and healthy self esteem.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Gummy Smile Causes

What causes a gummy smile in the first place? Gummy smiles can result from any of the following:

  • Genetics
  • Hyperactive lip muscles
  • Abnormal jaw growth
  • Poor tooth eruption
  • Certain medications
  • Medical conditions

What is the best gummy smile fix?

The best treatment for a gummy smile is determined on a case-by-case basis. At Periodontal Health Center, we provide highly-personalized periodontal care designed for each patient’s individual needs.

When you visit us for your initial consultation, one of our experienced periodontal specialists (Dr. Jessica Stilley, Dr. Armita Mashkouri or Dr. Camille Medina) will assess your smile and discuss your symptoms to help you determine the best treatment route to meet your goals. 

Gummy smile treatment options

Depending on your case, we may suggest either BOTOX® (neuromodulators) or esthetic crown lengthening

BOTOX

BOTOX is well known for helping people reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and essentially turn back the clock. But did you know that they can also be used to treat a gummy smile?

Gummy smile BOTOX treatment is done by injecting a small amount of BOTOX (botulinum neurotoxin) into the muscles that control the upper lip. This causes the muscles to relax, which reduces the amount of gum tissue visible when smiling.

The effects of Botox injections typically last for three to four months at a time. The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and requires no downtime, making it a convenient option! 

Dr. Medina and Dr. Mashkouri are two of our highly-experienced periodontal specialists who have advanced training in facial dimensions and esthetics with neurotoxin modulators products (BOTOX). They’re also both Diplomates of the American Board of Periodontology, one of the highest recognitions of achievement afforded by the specialty! 

With our team, you’re in excellent hands. 

Esthetic crown lengthening

What is crown lengthening? Esthetic crown lengthening is another treatment option that involves removing excess gum tissue and reshaping the gum line to expose more of the tooth’s crown. This results in a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile. 

The cosmetic crown lengthening procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and may take one or two appointments, depending on the extent of the treatment required.

During the procedure, your experienced periodontist will carefully remove the excess gum tissue and contour the gum line to achieve the desired appearance. They may also need to remove a small amount of bone tissue to ensure that the tooth’s root is not exposed. Once the procedure is complete, we will give you post-operative instructions to ensure proper healing.

At the Periodontal Health Center, our team of specialists has extensive experience in performing esthetic crown lengthening and other periodontal plastic surgery procedures to enhance the appearance of our patients’ smiles!

What to consider

We’ll discuss all considerations when you visit us for treatment! In the meantime, here’s what to know:

BOTOX injections do not treat the underlying cause of a gummy smile. In some cases, a gummy smile may be the result of an overactive muscle, but in other cases, it may be due to excessive gum tissue or a high lip line. In these cases, esthetic crown lengthening may be a more appropriate treatment option.

The best treatment option will depend on the underlying cause of the condition!

Still have questions about gummy smiles?

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! You deserve to feel confident in your smile at every age.

We’ll take the time to understand your concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and helps you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced periodontal specialists in New Port Richey or Tampa today!

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