There are many reasons people are dissatisfied with their smile. A fairly common issue is teeth that appear to be too short or gums that overwhelm their teeth, a condition sometimes called gummy teeth. Many people seek a cosmetic dentist to increase the size of their teeth to make them more proportional to the gums, but in most cases, the problem is not the size of the teeth, but the preponderance of the gum tissue. There are many types of gummy smiles and various causes for that overwhelming gummy appearance. Although gummy smiles are not a serious condition, it can be a point of embarrassment for some people who feel their gums negatively affect their appearance.
Types of Gummy Smiles
There are many different types of gum problems that may result in a preponderance of gum tissue. The treatment options available may be dependent on the type of gummy smile being addressed.
Overgrown gums As the tooth grows, the gum line should recede upwards, when the gums fail to do so, they appear overgrown. These overgrown gums are also called altered passive eruption.
Post orthodontia Many people undergoing orthodontic treatments experience excessive gum growth, possibly due to improper brushing techniques.
Mouth breathing People who breathe through their mouth, predominantly at night, may suffer from red and swollen gums. Lack of saliva makes the gum more susceptible to disease and other problems.
High lip line A high lipped smile may give the appearance of too much gum line, enhancing the appearance of an unbalanced gum line.
Worn teeth Over time, tooth attrition may result in loss of tooth material that gives the gums the appearance of overwhelming the teeth when smiling.
Medication Certain medications, primarily Dilantin and Cyclosporine, may cause increased gum growth, especially when combined with poor oral hygiene.
Treatment Options
There are several treatment options available to people with gummy teeth. Depending on the type of problem being addressed, the cosmetic dentist may elect one or more of the following treatment options:
Laser treatments Reshaping minor gum flaws with laser surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis.
Surgical gingivectomy For more complicated gum removal, surgery on the gums may be performed. Excessive gum tissue can be excised and repositioned.
Surgical sculpting In cases where the underlying maxillary jawbone causes the gums to protrude, additional sculpting of the bone may be performed to reduce the protrusion.
Lip repositioning surgery This option may be used to decrease the extent of an excessive smile, which causes more gums to show in an otherwise balanced smile.
Additional treatment may be required to prevent a reoccurrence, for example, people who breathe through their mouth may require a moisturizing mouth guard. Teeth that are worn down can be enhanced with caps or veneers that add volume and restore function of worn teeth.
To find out more about cosmetic dentistry options to address gummy teeth in Alberta, please visit cosmetic dentist, Dr. Gordon Chee's website, www.aestheticdentalstudio.ca.
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