Types of gummy smiles

• When people usually smile, they either smile with their mouth closed, or half the mouth opened showing few teeth, or the entire jaw containing all the teeth in both, the upper and the lower parts of the mouth. There may be various factors that arise , due to gummy smiles.
• This can be because of the previous orthodontic treatment, developmental or genetic influence, or the medication- induced reactions.
• These gummy smiles are classified according to the amount of the gum tissue which shows the relation as to how much tooth structure, is displayed when smiling, these classifications are observed by measuring the patient’s gum tissue as a percentage of the total length.

Gummy smiles range from:

• Mild
• Moderate
• Advanced
• Severe

When patients comment on their gummy smiles, they may be referring to a single tooth, a specific group of teeth, or the entire jaw containing all of the teeth, in both the upper and lower parts of the mouth.

These gummy smiles may be caused by an array of factors, such as previous orthodontic treatment, developmental or genetic influences, or medication-induced reactions.

Gummy smiles are classified according to the amount of gum tissue that shows in relation to how much tooth structure is displayed when smiling. These classifications are determined by measuring the patient’s gum tissue as a percentage of total tooth length. Gummy smiles range from mild, moderate, and advanced, to severe.

Gummy Smile Treatment

There are two ways that a gummy smile can be treated:

Possible surgical procedures are Gingivectomy, this procedure can be performed , when an amount of gum reduction, is said to be minimal such as with the case of mild gummy smiles.

During this surgery, a minimal amount of gum tissue is removed with a dental laser , also known as radio- surgery. This surgery is painless, and requires no sutures, and the gum tissue usually heal within 2 weeks.

If the gum tissue is more advanced, and requires an extensive tissue reduction., This procedure is known as crown lengthening, during this painless procedure, the gum tissues are contoured around each individual tooth.

The tissue is then lifted off the bone, and then placed in a desired new position. The tissues, are then sutured into place, and takes about 7-10 days to heal, after healing the sutures are removed.

The new repositioned gums are allowed again to heal for another 5-7 weeks, before the final restorations can be placed. The crown lengthening procedure, will be further restored by treatment , with either porcelain veneers or crown that are required to achieve a beautiful smile. This can be done in just two visits at the dental clinic.