Are you bothered by your gummy smile? If so, you’re not alone. Many people experience this dental issue and feel self-conscious about it. But don’t worry – there are solutions to the problem of a gummy smile! In this article, we’ll explain what causes a gummy smile and then give five ways to eliminate it. We’ll also discuss how to fix that annoying grin for good.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile is when your upper lip lifts higher than normal when you smile, causing more of your gum line to show than usual. The dental condition can be caused by genetics, improper dental alignment, or certain medications. Sometimes, the gummy smile is simply an aesthetic issue caused by a person’s dental anatomy. Here are 5 ways you can get rid of a gummy smile:
1. Dental Hygiene
Maintaining good dental hygiene can help reduce the appearance of a gummy smile. This includes brushing and flossing regularly and using special mouthwashes that contain ingredients like peroxide to lift plaque build-up near the gum line gently.
2. Orthodontics
If dental alignment issues cause your gummy smile, then orthodontic treatment may be necessary for correction. Your dentist can create a personalized plan to correct dental misalignment with braces or Invisalign clear aligners.
3. Botox Injections
A dental specialist can inject a small dose of botulinum toxin into the muscles near your upper lip, causing them to relax and reducing the amount of gum that shows when you smile.
4. Surgical Procedures
If other methods fail to help reduce the appearance of a gummy smile, surgical correction may be necessary. This procedure involves reshaping the gum line with a laser or scalpel and removing excess tissue if needed.
5. Cosmetic Dentistry
Porcelain veneers are one way to cover up a gummy smile by creating an even surface on your teeth. The dental practitioner will place thin pieces of porcelain over your existing teeth to create an entirely new dental structure.
The Bottom Line
A gummy smile can be an annoying dental issue, but there are ways to get rid of it and improve the appearance of your smile. Maintaining dental hygiene, seeking orthodontic treatment, using botox injections, having a surgical procedure done, or opting for cosmetic dentistry can all help reduce the appearance of a gummy smile.
Yes! Maintaining good dental hygiene is one way to reduce the appearance of a gummy smile by removing plaque buildup near the gum line.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct a gummy smile. However, dental professionals usually recommend trying less invasive methods first if possible.
Yes! Porcelain veneers are placed over your existing teeth and can provide a more permanent solution to a gummy smile.