Gummy Smiles
Gummy Smile Treatment in Melbourne
A gummy smile is excess gum that shows when you smile. However, it is all a matter of perception — each individual is different, with their own unique characteristics. At The Smile Designer Dental Studio, our aim is to guide you through some of the options available to reduce a gummy smile.
*The outcomes shown in these pictures above are only relevant to these patients and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience. There are risks and benefits to all treatments. The content posted on our website does not constitute medical advice. Risks, results, complication and recovery times will vary between individuals. Photos taken above were completed by Dr Dev Boparoy (DEN0001145304 Dentist, General Registration) & Associates. Treatment risks and considerations can be found here.
Join us for a Gummy Smile Consultation at The Smile Designer Dental Studio.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
Tooth Problems
Over time, and with habits like grinding and clenching, teeth can wear down. This causes the downward movement of the teeth as they try to maintain their bite, bringing the gums down with them in the process.
Gum Problems
Some people have a lot of good tooth hiding under excess gum, a developmental issue occurring during growth. Others have excess gum due to mouth breathing, certain medications, or poor oral hygiene.
Lip Problems
Lips play a big role in the amount of gum shown when smiling. A thin upper lip, or hypermobile lip muscles that lift up excessively, can both give the effect of a gummy smile.
Jaw Problems
A “long face,” where the upper jaw is longer than normal, gives the effect of a gummy smile. This vertical discrepancy normally shows an even amount of gum both in the front and back teeth, and is sometimes the most complex to treat.
Treatment Options
What Are the Treatments for a Gummy Smile?
Gummy smiles are normally a combination of problems, and as such, a combination of treatment options can be utilised together. Other cosmetic treatments such as Porcelain Veneers or orthodontic treatment are often done in conjunction with these treatments.
Gum Re-Contouring
A technique where small amounts of gum are removed, exposing natural healthy tooth underneath. This is a surgical process, and at The Smile Designer we use our Gemini dental laser to aid in this technique.
Muscle Relaxants & Facial Injections
Muscle relaxant or facial injections can freeze or temporarily paralyse the lip muscles causing hypermobility. This procedure requires regular maintenance and top-up appointments.
Crown Lengthening
Where excess bone as well as gum is causing the gummy smile, this excess bone needs to be removed so the gums can heal back to reveal the normal proportions of the tooth.
Lip or Jaw Surgery
Jaw surgery such as orthognathic surgery is normally done in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, surgically adjusting the upper (and sometimes both) jaws. Lip surgery, done by plastic surgeons, can restrict or lengthen the upper lip.
Orthodontic Treatment
Crooked teeth can give the illusion of a gummy smile, especially with a deep bite. Braces or Invisalign can correct crowding and adjust the position, angle, and intrusion of each tooth to its ideal position.
If you have a gummy smile and would like to learn more, contact us for your cosmetic consultation. We are here to help guide you through each step of the way.
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FAQs
Gummy Smile Questions, Answered
How do I know what’s causing my gummy smile?
A gummy smile can result from tooth wear, gum development, lip mobility, or jaw structure, and often a combination of these. A proper clinical assessment is needed to identify the actual cause, since this determines which treatment (or combination of treatments) is appropriate.
Is gum re-contouring painful?
Using our Gemini dental laser for gum re-contouring is generally more comfortable than traditional surgical methods, since the laser cauterises as it cuts, reducing bleeding and trauma to the tissue. Some procedures may still involve local anaesthetic depending on the extent of treatment.
How long do results from muscle relaxants last?
Muscle relaxant and facial injections require regular maintenance and top-up appointments, since the effect is temporary rather than permanent. Your dentist can discuss a realistic maintenance schedule based on your individual response to treatment.
Do I need jaw surgery for my gummy smile?
Not necessarily. Jaw surgery is generally reserved for more significant cases, such as a vertical jaw discrepancy causing excess gum both front and back. Many gummy smile cases can be addressed with less invasive options like gum re-contouring, injections, or orthodontic treatment.
Can gummy smile treatment be combined with veneers?
Yes, this is common. Addressing excess gum first, then following with porcelain veneers, can help achieve a more balanced, proportioned result across your whole smile.
Is gummy smile treatment covered by health insurance?
Purely cosmetic treatments are generally not covered by private health insurance extras policies. See our health insurance page for more detail, or check directly with your fund.
