What is Gummy Smile?

Gummy smile is the condition where too much gum is exposed, especially when smiling (more than 3mm (*) from the gum line to the lip). While it does not affect health (specifically chewing ability), it often makes many people feel self-conscious in social interactions.

(*) From an aesthetic perspective, a beautiful smile should expose only 1-2mm of gum when smiling fully.

Causes of Gummy Smile

A gummy smile can be caused by various factors, such as:

  • Teeth: Slow tooth eruption or incomplete tooth growth can cause an imbalance between the height of the teeth and gums.
  • Bone: Misalignment of the bite due to overdevelopment of the jawbone, causing the teeth to protrude and expose more gums.
  • Gums: Overgrowth of the gums, covering more of the tooth crown (from the root of the tooth) than usual.
  • Lips: A short upper lip or excessive lip muscle tension that causes the lip to rise too high, revealing the gums.

Treatment Methods for Gummy Smile at Lux Smile

Currently, there are various ways to correct a gummy smile, depending on the case and the degree of gum exposure, as follows:

Braces (Teeth Alignment)

Braces (teeth alignment) is a deep dental treatment method aimed at repositioning misaligned teeth on the jaw, thereby improving chewing ability and providing clients with a naturally beautiful smile.

Applicable Cases: Suitable for individuals with a gummy smile accompanied by deep bite or overbite teeth.

Advantages:

  • High safety level.
  • In many cases, braces can help “reduce” the gum area by 2-4mm, significantly improving the aesthetic appearance of the smile.
  • Long-lasting results if oral care is maintained according to the dentist’s guidance.

Limitations:

Braces treatment time is relatively long, averaging from 24 months or more.

Surgery


Surgical Methods: Surgical treatments for gummy smile include the following methods:

  • Upper lip lift or lip lengthening surgery: In cases where the upper lip is too short, the surgeon performs surgery to lengthen the upper lip, controlling the height to prevent excessive elevation when smiling.
  • Gingivectomy (gum removal) surgery: In cases where the gums develop excessively due to congenital reasons or where the gums are low and enlarged, the surgeon removes excess gum tissue to make the gum line thinner and less visible when smiling.
  • Jaw surgery: In cases where the gummy smile is caused by overdevelopment of the jawbone, the surgeon performs surgery using the Le Fort I fracture technique.
  • Bone trimming method: In cases where the bone ridge is too thick—one of the most complicated causes of gummy smiles—the surgeon trims the outer ridge and surface of the bone, then reattaches the gum tissue as before.

Advantages:

  • High effectiveness and long-lasting results.
  • Safe, with minimal complications when performed by a skilled specialist.
  • Light post-surgery care.

Limitations:

  • Requires a highly skilled surgeon with in-depth knowledge of both dentistry and aesthetics.

Gummy Smile Treatment Process at Lux Smile

Surgical Procedure for Treating Gummy Smile

Step 1Consultation with a specialist.

  • All patients who want to treat their gummy smile must undergo a comprehensive dental examination and consultation with a specialist to accurately determine the cause of gum exposure and create an appropriate treatment plan.
  • If gum trimming is required, the doctor will order a blood test to prepare for the minor surgery.

Step 2Gum trimming procedure.

  • The doctor will clean the mouth (remove tartar, plaque, and disinfect with salt water or specialized mouthwash) to ensure safety and avoid infection during the minor surgery.
  • Next, local anesthesia will be applied to ensure comfort and prevent pain while trimming the excess gum tissue, shaping the aesthetic gum line based on the consultation’s predetermined ratio.
  • After the procedure, the doctor will provide home-care instructions for the wound.

Step 3Follow-up check-up.

  • After 7-10 days, you will return to the clinic for a follow-up check-up to inspect the wound and assist with removing stitches.
  • Experienced specialists in the field.
  • Delicate techniques, absolute safety.
  • Modern equipment, sterilization procedures.
  • Natural aesthetic results design.
  • Commitment to effective and safe treatment.
  • Commitment to a harmonious, natural smile.
  • Commitment to an internationally standard sterilization process.

Gummy Smile Treatment – A Future for Your Confident Smile

Come to Lux Smile today for consultation and a personalized treatment plan, so you no longer feel self-conscious when smiling.

Book a consultation for gummy smile treatment at Lux Smile today!

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