Having a gummy smile means that too much of your gum line is visible when you smile, and it can be a great cause of stress and embarrassment for many individuals. To treat this issue and give your smile a new, better look, discuss gum contouring with our dental professionals in Houston, TX. Below you’ll learn how aesthetic gum issues are treated with surgical procedures.
Can You Fix a Gummy Smile without Surgery?
It’s possible to fix a gummy smile without surgery, so once again, you can smile and laugh with confidence. Here are the most common non-surgical options to correct gummy smiles in Houston, TX.
Non-surgical procedures
Orthodontic Treatment
If problems with the jaw or improper bite are the reason for your gummy smile, orthodontic treatment can best treat your issue. Getting rid of these underlying issues can be good in two ways: you’ll be free from the pain and discomfort due to these problems, as well as excessive gingival display.
Veneers or Crowns
If the cause of your gummy smile isn’t due to oral disease, veneers or dental crowns will work best in this situation. This is completely an aesthetic treatment, meaning this won’t address any underlying issues causing your gummy smile and associated soreness.
Root Planing and Scaling
During scaling, your Houston dentist will remove plaque from the tooth that goes down to the root (this also includes the plaque formed under the gums). After scaling, the next step is smoothing out the roots of the tooth to reconnect the gums, and for a person with a gummy smile, the dentist can alter the gum line in this very step.
Surgical procedures
Crown-Lengthening Procedures (Gingivectomy)
Among the surgical procedures, crown lengthening is a popular choice for gummy smile treatment. During the procedure, your orthodontist will remove excess gum tissue from the tooth, which will make it more visible.
Laser Gum Contouring
This procedure is much similar to gingivectomy; the difference is the use of a laser to reshape/lessen the gums. Gum contouring surgery and laser gum contouring are both minimally invasive procedures carried out for cosmetic and aesthetic purposes.
Lip Repositioning Surgery
A hyperactive upper lip can also give you a gummy smile which can be treated with two procedures. The first is lip repositioning surgery which involves surgically moving your lip downward to make your gums less visible, so your smile appears perfect.
Botox
The other option you have is Botox injection which reduces the movement of the upper lip. In return, the amount of gums exposed when you smile is minimized.
Consult with Your Dentist or Orthodontist
If you live in Houston, TX, or nearby areas, Pearl Shine Dental can help treat your gummy smile with a variety of options. We’ll help you choose the best that works for your dental and cosmetic needs and also fits your budget. To schedule an appointment, call us today at 281-477-7200. We are looking forward to hearing from you.