The condition of excessive gingival display is also referred to as having a gummy smile. This type of smile is characterised by an uneven, high-reaching or fleshy-looking gum line. Most often it describes when the upper gums appear visible beneath the upper lip when smiling. In severe cases, gingiva tissue is visible even when the lips are in a resting position.
Having a gummy smile (i.e., displaying an excessive amount of gingiva or gum tissue) is a common aesthetic concern for both genders, with females experiencing higher rates of excessive gingival display. Showing too much of the gum line when smiling or talking can be embarrassing, which can unfortunately lead to reduced self-confidence and a negative body image. Besides excessive gingival display being considered unattractive, a gummy smile can be associated with bad oral health (e.g., inflamed gums, disease, bad breath).
Este Medical Group does offer treatments for excessive gingival display that are effective and minimally invasive. Find out how you can smile again without feeling self-conscious and awkward — discover how lip injections and dental veneers can improve your appearance.
A balanced or normal smile will reveal about two or less millimetres of gum tissue. A gummy smile is visibly noticeable when three to four millimetres of gum tissue is visible. Excessive gingival display can be attributed to a variety of reasons, including:
An Este Medical consultation is strongly recommended before selecting a gummy smile treatment. It is important to determine whether it is the lips, teeth or bone that is causing your excessive gingival display.
To address the look of excessive gingival display caused by issues with the lip muscles, then fillers and injections have proven to be very effective in improving the appearance of a gummy smile.
For example, Botox® injections are ideal for inhibiting upper lip muscle contractions, which helps to prevent full exposure of the gum line. Dental veneers offer excellent long-term results, as they can be used to reshape the gum line (i.e., gum contouring) resulting in better spacing and balance across the gums in relation to your teeth.
Here are several top Este treatments for improving the appearance of a gummy smile.
You could try targeted facial exercises to reset the muscles around your mouth. This may help address the way your smile looks. However, if your gummy smile is not connected with issues in relation to your lips or lip muscles, you may want to have an Este Medical consultation about your teeth and gum line.
An attractive smile will reveal about 2 or less millimetres of gum tissue. A gummy smile is visibly noticeable when 3 - 4 millimetres of gum tissue is visible. It is considered unattractive because it is not in symmetry with the rest of the mouth and face, it lacks aesthetic balance.
If your smile is gummy because of a bad bite, a brace may fix the way your smile looks. A brace can help reposition the teeth so they sit correctly and gums appear less noticeable. It is recommended you consult with a cosmetic dentist about this option.
There are several possible reasons behind a gummy smile, including: an overactive upper lip muscle (i.e., hyperactive lip, elevator muscle, having a short upper lip, excessive gum tissue, a large jaw (i.e., having a bad bite), dental eruption, and small teeth. Book an Este consultation through our website to determine why your smile is gummy and how you can get help to improve the look of your gum line.
Make an appointment with Este Medical Group to discuss your health and beauty goals. You can book an Este consultation through our website.
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