Do you find it difficult to laugh freely because, when you do, an above-average amount of gum tissue is visible to others? If so, you likely have what’s known as a gummy smile. At our practice in Zurich, we’d be happy to help you achieve an aesthetically pleasing and carefree smile through gummy smile correction.
What Is a “Gummy Smile”?
In dentistry, the term “gummy smile” refers to a condition in which a patient’s visual balance between the upper lip, teeth, and gums is compromised. The term “gummy smile” comes from the fact that it is most noticeable when the person is smiling—the gums appear disproportionately large compared to the teeth.
Tooth alignment and bite are generally not affected by a gummy smile. However, since the gums are exposed relatively frequently in those affected, redness and dryness of the gums often occur.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
There is no single, universally applicable cause for a gummy smile. Rather, there are a number of factors that can contribute to a gummy smile. Depending on the patient, for example, the gums and upper lip may be too tightly connected. Additionally, very small teeth or gum adhesions are among the possible causes of a gummy smile. Last but not least, the levator muscle may be more developed than average in some patients, which causes the upper lip to lift significantly and thus results in a gummy smile.
Since the possible causes of a gummy smile vary so widely, correcting a gummy smile requires a comprehensive, individualized diagnostic evaluation beforehand. Only in this way can we effectively correct the underlying factors and achieve an optimal treatment outcome.
The Process of Gummy Smile Correction
The process of individualized gummy smile correction at the Bellevue Dental Practice in Zurich is always tailored to the cause and severity of the gummy smile:
Procedure for Excess Gums
If our diagnostic examinations reveal that your gummy smile is caused by excess gum tissue, we typically correct it through gum reduction. We perform this reduction using laser beams, which allow for pain-free and gentle tissue removal. We also correct the shape of your teeth by harmoniously adapting them to your facial structure.
Treatment for an Impaired Gum-Upper Lip Connection
If your gummy smile is the result of an overly tight connection between the gums and the upper lip, we focus our corrective steps on separating these two components. In doing so, we ensure that your natural smile is preserved.
Gummy Smile Correction for Teeth That Are Too Small
Even if your gummy smile is caused by teeth that have grown to be very small, we can perform a professional corrective procedure. For example, during gummy smile correction, we use crowns or veneers (thin ceramic shells) to make your teeth appear larger.
Are you interested in gummy smile correction at the Bellevue Dental Practice in Zurich? Schedule an appointment by phone or via the contact form. We’d be happy to provide you with personalized and detailed advice.