Our smile is usually the most charming element of our face. But what if when we smile the gums appear more evidently than the teeth? In this case, we speak of a gummy smile, where there is no harmonious proportion of the appearance of the gums and teeth when someone smiles. The exposure of a large part of the gums when smiling is a purely aesthetic issue and does not pose any risk to the health of the teeth or gums. However, it can affect a person’s aesthetics and self-esteem quite a bit, which prompts many to look for ways to correct this particular situation. But did you know that one of the most effective options for correcting a gummy smile is orthodontic treatment? Yes, you heard right! But let’s first see what exactly a gummy smile is and then how it can be corrected in the hands of an experienced orthodontist.
What is a gummy smile?
A gummy smile is a condition where the gums become more visible than the teeth when someone smiles. Specifically, a smile is generally considered gummy if 3 to 4 millimeters of gum tissue are visible while smiling. Although only a small percentage of men and women experience this issue, it remains an aesthetic concern for those affected. In fact, there are many cases where individuals with a gummy smile try to cover their mouth during moments of laughter.
Could a gummy smile be a sign of an underlying pathological situation?
In general, a gummy smile is due to the following causes, which do not pose any danger:
- Hyperactivity of the upper lip muscles, causing the lips to lift higher than normal when people smile, revealing more gum tissue.
- Short or small teeth, which can make the gums appear more prominent even if the gum tissue itself is not beyond normal.
- Inability of upper lip height to cover the maxillary teeth
- Coverage of the maxillary teeth from the gums
- Incomplete eruption of maxillary teeth
- Extensive vertical growth of the upper jaw
- Irregularities in the thickness or height of the gums even if they have a normal position and arrangement in the oral cavity.
However, there are some cases where a gummy smile can be due to inflammation or swelling of the gums. In this case, we are talking about gingivitis, which can endanger the integrity of the teeth and gums if left untreated. Treating gingivitis as soon as possible can prevent more serious problems such as periodontitis.
Orthodontic treatment for the correction of this particular issue
One of the most effective options for the correction of a gummy smile is orthodontic treatment, either with traditional metal braces or clear aligners InvisalignBoth braces and invisible aligners work by applying gentle, controlled pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into a more optimal position. Orthodontic treatment can address a gummy smile in two ways. Firstly, it helps correct the alignment of the teeth, allowing them to erupt more fully and reducing the visibility of the gums. Additionally, orthodontic treatment facilitates the upward movement of the teeth towards the alveolar bone, causing the gum tissue to adapt, making the gums less visible when the patient smiles. If, on the other hand, the gummy smile is due to incomplete eruption of the upper jaw’s teeth, orthodontic treatment can adjust the position of both the teeth and gums to allow the teeth to fully erupt, thus correcting the gummy smile.
Moreover, there is a more discreet and aesthetically pleasing option for correcting a gummy smile if the patient chooses to undergo orthodontic treatment with Invisalign clear aligners. These invisible aligners apply controlled pressure to the teeth, similar to braces, moving them into the desired position. They are often preferred by patients for the comfort and aesthetic satisfaction they provide. However, if orthodontic treatment alone is unable to achieve the desired result, it can be combined with certain procedures to successfully restore the gummy smile.
On the other hand, not all cases of gummy smile are purely orthodontic in nature. Therefore, visiting a specialized orthodontist is the best way to determine if orthodontic treatment is the optimal solution for correcting a gummy smile. If a gummy smile is holding you back, Invisalign Orthodontist in Athens, Dr. Angeliki Nikolopoulou, can help you achieve a balanced and beautiful smile.