Gummy Smile Treatment at Steinway Family Dental Center
Hi, Dr. Dayanayev here from Steinway Family Dental Center. We get a lot of questions about gummy smiles, and today we're going to answer some of the most common questions on that subject. Let's start.
What is a gummy smile and what causes it?
A gummy smile is when you smile and show small teeth but very large gum tissue. Most of the time, it is the upper teeth, but it can occur on the lower teeth as well, or just on the lower teeth, not on the upper teeth. It depends on the smile, and of course, it does not look as aesthetically pleasing as if the smile is not gummy.
At what point is the smile considered to be too gummy?
If you show a lot of gum tissue above or below the teeth, if it's on the lower jaw, then that is considered gummy. It is too gummy if you show a lot of it.
Does the gummy smile affect health or only appearance?
It does not really affect health, but it does affect appearance.
What is the most common treatment for fixing the gummy smile?
There is a surgical and a non-surgical treatment. The non-surgical is probably the most common, even though it is not permanent, but it is the most common because it's least invasive. The reason it happens is because the muscles are pulling too hard, showing too much of the gum tissue. Those muscles need help not to be overly stimulated when you smile. The way it works, you would get something like a Botox injection to help your muscles be in a more relaxed position, so they don't pull as hard, and you will stop getting the gummy smile.
Is it permanent?
The answer is no, it is not. Botox only works for up to six months. Then, if you would like to repeat it, you can, or you may choose a more permanent solution.
How long do results from Botox treatment last?
The answer is about six months.
Can surgery be used to correct a gummy smile?
It depends on the gummy smile, but yes, it can be used. Different procedures can be done, and it can be corrected surgically. It is a more permanent solution, which is the difference between Botox and the surgical solution.
Are there any side effects or risks for treating gummy smiles?
Surgical solutions carry some risk, and the same goes for Botox, but it is a regular risk similar to using Botox elsewhere.
Is it common for somebody who has a gummy smile for it to become more gummy as they age?
The answer is yes, it is common.
How do you decide which treatment is right for the patient?
We should discuss all the options, and based on the knowledge you gain, we would recommend something for you, whether to choose one or the other option, and which one will best suit your particular case. Then you can make your decision based on that.
I hope that was helpful and shed some light on the subject of gummy smiles. If you have any further questions or particularly questions about your smile, if it is gummy, and what to do about it, you can give us a call at (718) 728-3314 and schedule an appointment. We can discuss that, or you can find us online at alldentalneeds.com and request an appointment. Somebody will get back to you, and we can meet and talk about whatever questions you have.