Most people who consider getting cosmetic dentistry work done are looking to get rid of stains, chips, or gaps in their teeth. Sometimes, though, the problem with your smile isn’t actually with your teeth, but your gums. If too much gum tissue is visible when you grin compared to your teeth, your smile might be “gummy.” This issue is more common than you might think; an estimated 10% of adults between the ages of 20 and 30 believe they have gummy smiles. But what exactly is a gummy smile? What causes them in the first place? Keep reading to learn the answers to these questions, and how your dentist can help with gummy smile correction in Houston.
Do You Have a Gummy Smile?
There isn’t a universally accepted standard of what makes a smile gummy; it primarily depends on whether you’re dissatisfied with the amount of gum tissue that is exposed when you grin.
Several factors can affect your perception of the “gumminess” of your smile, including the angle of your jaw, the way your lips move when you pull them back to smile, and the shape and size of your teeth. However, most experts agree that a disproportionate amount of visible gum tissue is about three to four millimeters, or one-eighth of an inch.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
Some of the most common reasons why a smile might appear “gummy” include:
- The way your teeth grew in – If your front teeth erupted too far, then your gums might have also overgrown in an attempt to cover them.
- Lip size – A thin upper lip can expose more gum tissue when you grin.
- Medical issues – Certain immune system conditions, as well as drugs designed to treat high blood pressure or seizures, can make the gums grow more extensively than they should. This particular issue should be addressed, as clinically overgrown gum tissue can increase the risk of gum disease.
No matter the reason behind your gummy smile, there are ways that your dentist can help.
How a Gummy Smile Can Be Fixed
If you’re bothered by the excess gum tissue in your smile, there’s a simple solution: just have it removed! With gummy smile correction (also known as gum recontouring), your dentist can comfortably reshape the gumline using a soft tissue laser. Compared to a traditional scalpel and suture, the laser promotes faster healing and more precise results. Because gum tissue does not grow back, you won’t have to worry about a gummy smile ever again after this procedure!
Are you tired of dealing with your gummy smile? Then reach out to your dentist to learn whether gummy smile correction is right for you. It might be just the thing you need to reveal more of your beautiful pearly whites to the world!
About the Author
Dr. Gregory Palmer, DMD earned his doctorate in dentistry and his Certificate in Periodontics from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Dentistry. He uses the latest dental technology, including a soft tissue laser, to administer gummy smile correction in Houston, TX. To find out how he can fix your gummy smile, contact his dental office at (713) 375-1777.