Marcus Richards
Have you ever noticed that your gums appear out of proportion to your grin when you look at a photo of yourself? If so, you can have a condition called excessive gingival presentation, sometimes known as a gummy smile.
This dental problem is treatable, which is good news. With just one trip to dental offices like Dentakay dental clinic, you can have that perfect Hollywood smile you crave.
Today, we’ll discuss all the things you need to know about gummy smiles ranging from the various factors contributing to gummy smiles to the available remedies available.
First, let us understand what a gummy smile is about.
What is a gummy smile?
Just like there is no definition for beauty, there is no exact definition for a gummy smile as it is based on the eye of the beholder.
A gummy smile is also called excessive gingival display, and the term excessive can be quantified as anything that is more than 4mm of gums showing above the upper teeth when you smile.
It can affect just a few teeth or the entire smile.
An interesting fact about gummy smiles is that they are more prevalent in women than men. They affect those in their 20s – 30s, and the probability of occurrence reduces with an increase in age.
Note that your perception of a gummy smile can be affected by the following;
- The shape and height of your teeth
- The comparison of the angle of your jaw to that of the rest of your face
- The movement of your lips when you smile
Aside from being associated with an unattractive look, a gummy smile may be caused by poor dental health, and it may require the intervention of your dentist. It can lead to gum inflammation and pain, as well as bad breath or gum diseases.
Now that we know what gummy smiles are, we must know the cause so we can prevent them.
Causes of Gummy Smiles
Below are some of the causes of gummy smiles
Genetics
Most patients’ gummy smiles are caused by genetics, mostly a combination of a large jaw, small teeth, and/or a short upper lip.
In some cases, the gummy smile may be caused by a condition that is called hereditary gingival fibromatosis. HGF is a slow but gradual enlargement of keratinized gingiva, which can cause speaking problems when severe.
Gummy smiles can also result from changes in your body’s anatomy, including hormonal imbalances brought on by pregnancy or puberty. Gingival enlargement can also be brought on or made worse by blood diseases like leukaemia. You can find gummy smiles treatment options on https://dentakay.com/gummy-smile/.
Side effects of some medication
Most prescription drugs have undesirable side effects; for some drugs, swollen gums may be one of them. Some of these medications consist of the following:
- Immunosuppressants like Cyclosporin A, which transplant recipients use to avoid tissue rejection.
- Heart disease drugs such as Nifedipine, Verapamil, and Diltiazem.
- Phenytoin is a drug used by patients with epilepsy.
Tooth eruption
Tooth eruption, despite seeming like a major volcanic event, is only a gradual process involving the teeth slowly pushing through the gums and visibly erupting in the mouth.
APE, which is short for Alternate passive eruption, refers to a condition where some teeth fail to erupt as they should.
APE can make a person’s grin look “gummy” because one or more teeth are only partially exposed in the mouth due to the condition. While it is not generally regarded as a health issue, it can affect how someone smiles and confidence.
Bad dental hygiene
Most people place all their dental hygiene focus on only their teeth. This should not be the case, as the teeth are not the only component of the mouth.
The gum also needs to be thoroughly cleaned as plaques can penetrate the gum and cause inflammation and enlargement.
Braces can result in gummy smiles, as brushing and flossing can be more difficult for patients with traditional braces because the braces create an impediment. After that, bacteria accumulates in and around the gums, resulting in swelling and a gummy smile.
Patients with gum-related issues often try to avoid brushing and flossing because of the pain it may cause. In the long run, this will lead to a vicious cycle of bad dental hygiene.
How can gummy teeth be treated?
If you notice that when you smile, your smile is showing more gum than it should, you should reach out to a dentist to confirm if you have a gummy smile and what is the best method of treatment to consider.
Here are some treatment options for treating gummy smiles.
Orthodontic treatment
If a jaw problem or an incorrect bite is the cause of your gummy smile, orthodontic treatment may be a suitable solution. You can treat the aesthetic problem of a gummy smile and any pain or discomfort brought on by these underlying problems by treating them simultaneously.
Crowns or veneers
If no significant underlying dental issue is causing your gummy smile, veneers or crowns are a good remedy.
Since placing a veneer or crown on your teeth is only intended to improve their appearance, it won’t relieve any pain or discomfort brought on by any underlying issues that are the source of your gummy smile.
Gingivectomy
Gingivectomy is one of the most popular surgical treatments when treating a gummy smile. An orthodontist will perform a gingivectomy during a crown-lengthening surgery to expose more of your natural tooth.
Laser gum contouring
This is a procedure that is similar to a gingivectomy. However, a laser is used to contour the gums and move your gum line backwards. It is a minimally invasive procedure that helps to reshape the gum line.
Laser gum contouring may remove more gum tissues compared to traditional gingivectomy.
How much does it cost to treat a gummy smile?
The cost of treating your gummy smile will vary based on various factors. Depending on the type of therapy you select, it might cost as little as $300 or as much as $8,000. It will cost more if the option you’re considering calls for numerous appointments, therapies, or a surgical procedure.
To determine the precise cost of your procedure, make sure to speak with your dentist or orthodontist.
Final thoughts
A gummy smile is a dental imperfection that can affect the aesthetics of one’s smile and a person’s self-confidence.
It is important to opt for treatment as soon as you notice that you have a gummy smile. Discuss with your dentist, and you will decide on the treatment plan.
