The smile is often considered one of the most significant expressions of our personality.
However, certain peculiarities, such as a gummy smile, can alter this harmony and give rise to complexes. If your gums appear excessively when you smile, there are solutions.
Personalized assessment
To determine the most suitable treatment, an initial consultation is recommended.
The aim is to analyze your needs and draw up a customized treatment plan.
What is a gummy smile?
A gummy smile is characterized by significant exposure of the upper gums when you smile.
A gummy smile is generally defined as one in which more than 3 to 4 millimeters of gum are visible.
Although this condition does not affect oral health, it can have an aesthetic and psychological impact.
Many people with a gummy smile avoid smiling fully or showing off in photographs.
This peculiarity is often linked to anatomical or functional causes.
The main causes of a gummy smile
A gummy smile can be caused by several factors:
- Muscular hyperactivity
When the muscles that lift the upper lip are overactive, they expose more gum tissue.
- Excessive gingivitis
The size or shape of the gums may be disproportionate to the teeth.
- Excessive bone growth
An overdeveloped upper jaw can pull the gums down, making them more visible.
- Tooth alignment
Poor dental implantation can also play a role.
Solutions for correcting a gummy smile
Medical and aesthetic advances today offer many options for correcting a gummy smile.
The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the condition and your personal preferences.
Botox
This method is ideal for cases caused by muscular hyperactivity.
It involves injecting a small amount of botulinum toxin to relax the muscles, thereby limiting excessive lifting of the upper lip.
This solution is fast and non-invasive; touch-ups will be necessary 1 or 2 times a year.
Gingivectomy
This minor procedure removes excess gum tissue to reveal more of the teeth.
It is indicated for patients whose gums cover part of their teeth.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and the result is permanent.
Gingival laser
This technique is painless, and allows gum tissue to be sculpted without the need for surgery.
Orthognathic surgery
This option is reserved for complex cases. The aim is to realign the jaw and reduce the visible height of the gums. The results of the procedure are long-lasting, and the recovery period is longer than for previous solutions.
FAQ
Most solutions, such as botox or laser, are painless.
Surgical procedures may cause slight discomfort.
Prices vary according to the treatment chosen. We offer a detailed quotation after a personalized consultation.
- Botox: visible results in 5 to 7 days.
- Gingivectomy and laser: immediate effect.
- Orthognathic surgery: visible improvement after a few weeks, once healing is complete.
Treatments such as gingivectomy or surgery offer permanent results, while botox requires regular injections to maintain the effect.