Gummy Smile Treatment
Achieve a Natural-Looking Smile
What is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile is a dental condition where a significant portion of the gums is visible when smiling. This can lead to self-consciousness and discomfort in social situations.
Gummy smiles can be attributed to various factors. Genetics often play a role, with some individuals naturally having more gum tissue. In other cases, the teeth may appear short because they’ve not erupted properly or due to wear and tear. Additionally, hyperactivity in the upper lip muscles can cause excessive gum display.
The primary symptom of a gummy smile is an excessive display of gum tissue when smiling. This can sometimes be accompanied by difficulty in mouth closure and speech challenges. Each individual’s experience may vary, influencing their decision to seek treatment.
Before and After Results
What causes a gummy smile?
A gummy smile can detract from your confidence and can be caused by various factors. Identifying the underlying cause is critical to determining the most suitable treatment option.
Excess Gum Exposure
One of the most common reasons for a gummy smile is excessive gingival display. This refers to the condition where a significant amount (more than 2mm) of gum tissue is visible above the top teeth when smiling. This may be due to genetic predispositions, or in some cases, health conditions that affect the growth and appearance of gum tissues.
Hyperactive Upper Lip
The dynamics of the upper lip can greatly influence the aesthetics of your smile. A hyperactive upper lip that moves higher than average when smiling can expose more gum tissue and create the appearance of a gummy smile. Additionally, the length and mobility of the upper lip are key factors in the amount of gum revealed.
Teeth Proportions
Proper teeth proportions are essential for a balanced smile. When teeth appear too short, either due to wear or because they have not erupted fully, it can cause an imbalance that leads to a gummy smile. Correcting the proportions of the teeth can often significantly improve the overall look of the smile.
Underlying Muscle Dynamics
Muscle dynamics play an instrumental role in facial expressions, including smiling. The muscles that control lip movement can, in some instances, contribute to a gummy smile due to their hyperactivity or anatomical positioning. Understanding these dynamics is important for tailoring an effective treatment approach.
- Excess gum tissue can result in a ‘gummy’ appearance when smiling.
- Lip movement and length can have a significant impact on gum exposure.
- Teeth that are shorter in appearance can exaggerate gumminess.
- Muscle function and control affect how much gum is shown.
How do you fix a gummy smile?
Various treatment options exist for addressing a gummy smile, each tailored to the specific needs and conditions of the individual. These include:
Anti-Wrinkle Injections
Anti-wrinkle injections provide a non-surgical solution for gummy smile treatment. This procedure involves administering small doses of a neuromodulator into specific muscles above the upper lip that overly raise the upper lip. The neuromodulator temporarily relaxes these muscles, reducing their hyperactivity and lowering the upper lip line. As a result, the upper lip elevates less when smiling, minimising the visibility of the gums. The effects are temporary and typically last for several months. This quick treatment, with minimal discomfort and no downtime, makes it an appealing option for those seeking a less invasive method to address their gummy smile.
Lip Augmentation with Dermal Fillers
Lip augmentation using dermal fillers is an effective treatment for enhancing the lips’ contour and volume, which can also indirectly impact the appearance of a gummy smile. By carefully injecting fillers into the lips, especially along the wet/dry border of the upper lip, aesthetically lengthening the margin, the overall balance between the gums and the smile is improved. This can reduce the prominence of a gummy smile by creating a more proportionate facial aesthetic. The procedure is minimally invasive, offers immediate results, and can be customized according to individual needs and preferences. It’s essential to consult with a qualified professional to ensure a natural and aesthetically pleasing outcome.
Gum Contouring
Gum contouring, also known as gingivectomy, is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to reshape excessive gum tissue. This treatment is particularly effective for those whose gummy smile is due to an excess of visible gum tissue. Using specialised tools, a dental professional carefully removes and reshapes the gum line to expose more of the teeth, creating a more balanced smile. Depending on the individual case, the procedure can be performed with lasers or surgical instruments.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics offers a strategic approach to treating gummy smiles caused by the positioning of teeth and jaws. This method involves using braces or other orthodontic appliances to adjust the alignment of teeth and jaw structure. Proper alignment can indirectly reduce gum visibility by changing how the upper lip rests when smiling. The treatment duration varies, often several months to a few years, depending on the case’s complexity. Orthodontics not only addresses aesthetic concerns but also improves oral function and health. A consultation with an orthodontist is necessary to create a personalised treatment plan.
Cost of Treatment
As the ingredients are prescribed medicines, we cannot name the product by its known brand name or list unit or syringe pricing, as per TGA advertising codes and our regulating body, AHPRA.
We offer consultations and assessments with our registered Nurses to determine how to achieve an optimal result for you.
To find out more, please call us on (07) 5300 2547
Frequently Asked Questions
Cosmetic Skin Care Clinic Services
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A great treatment for rejuvenating your skin. Perfect for lips, improving facial lines, wrinkles and folds, hydration and rejuvenation of fine lines on the face, neck, chest & hands. Find out more about Lips, Dermal Fillers, SkinBoosters , Beauty Boosters and V2 Injector
Combines micro-needling & radio frequency for superior results. Perfect for sagging, lax, loose facial skin, tightening of the jawline, jowls, neck and much more.
Medical Peels
Medical grade peels are an excellent treatment for pigmentation, acne, scarring, large pores, sun damage & more. Our range includes VI Peel, Jessner, TCA, Vitamin A & Salicylic Peels.
Collagen Stimulating Injectables
Stimulate your body’s natural production of collagen for a more youthful appearance whilst also restoring volume, lightness and tightness to your skin. Find out more about the Sculptra treatment, Bio-Stimulator and SkinBoosters.
We have the latest technology gold standard medical grade-laser. We can treat vascular conditions and pigmentation. We use the Healite II in clinic after treatments and to support healing.
Harness your body’s natural ability to re-grow and repair with Skin Needling! This treatment can help in addressing large pores, uneven skin texture, scarring, skin rejuvenation, tightening and many more.
Is an energy based device that enhances radiant heat, offering non-surgical eyelid lift rejuvenation, tightens skin, reduces pigment, rosacea, fine lines, acne, scarring & more. This treatment is suitable for all skin types.
Transparent pricing
No hidden costs, no surprises, just honest upfront pricing.
Highly experienced team
Professional Doctors & Nurses with 25 years of experience.
Private and accessible
Perfectly situated in Thomas Street, Noosaville.
Free parking
No stressing over parking meters with our FREE parking.
