Gummy smile before and after
We have often talked about the things that determine how beautiful a smile is. When we do, we do not only talk about how important it is to have well aligned teeth. In fact, the beauty of a smile is determined by a number of factors, among them the amount of gum we show when we smile.
When that happens —when the patient shows a lot of gum as they smile— we say they have what we call a gummy smile. But before we tell you how a gummy smile is corrected, let us explain in detail exactly what it is.
What is a gummy smile?
As we said above, this kind of smile is one in which a patient shows too much gum when they smile. We can distinguish the following types:
- Anterior gummy smile: when the gum on show is above the incisors.
- Posterior gummy smile: when the gum we show is from the first premolar backwards.
- Mixed gummy smile: when we show gum both at the front and at the back.
What treatments are there for a gummy smile? Can it be treated with Botox?
This is what we were getting to, so we can talk in more detail about how to correct a gummy smile. You should know that there is the option of correcting your gummy smile with Botox, a technique we do not recommend, because it does not tackle the root of the problem and it takes away the naturalness of your own smile. Let us take a moment to explain why.
The origin of a gummy smile is structural, that is, when someone has a gummy smile it is because the position of several structures is not right. So if we understand that a gummy smile is a matter of structural proportions, we have to understand that unless we correct that structural aspect, we will never correct the gummy smile.
Depending on which specialist you see about your problem, the solutions will be different. But without doubt, if you want a definitive treatment, the specialist you should consult is an orthodontist.
There are stopgap treatments such as Botox injections in your upper lip but, if your gummy smile is not caused by your lip, why would we inject anything into it and take expressiveness away from your lovely face?
You should know that if you inject Botox into your upper lip you will immobilize it, so that your lip will not rise to the position it should. Since your lip will not move naturally, you will think your gummy smile has been corrected. But quite the opposite: your gummy smile will be hidden, not corrected. Visually you will not show gum for as long as the Botox lasts, but that stopgap measure condemns you to relying on these injections for life if you want to go on hiding your gummy smile. It will also make your face less natural. The beauty of a smile is made up of many factors, among which the way the muscles move, the little lines that form when you speak or smile and those expressions that are so much your own are vitally important.
Gummy smile before and after
If what you want is a treatment that lasts a lifetime, you have to go to the root of the problem. That often means orthodontic treatment; sometimes it means combining orthodontics with a small gingivoplasty procedure; and sometimes gingivoplasty alone. That way, when your treatment ends the result will be stable over time and you will not have to keep coming back for solutions that are no more than temporary patches.
If you want to correct a gummy smile, fill in the form below and get in touch with us. You will solve your dental problem for good, while keeping the natural face that makes you who you are.
