Your smile says a lot about who you are and what kind of mood you’re in. While you may not think the way you smile plays a major role in your life, the fact is that people’s perception of you is often based on parts of your appearance.
If you feel like your gums are too visible when you smile, you’re not alone. Many people feel like they have what is often described as a “gummy smile.” You might even try to contain your smile when you’re happy out of fear of showing it.
Keep reading to learn more about what causes a gummy smile and how it can be fixed by a doctor offering orthodontistry services in your area.
Lip Placement
One of the most common reasons for a gummy smile is the placement of the upper lip. In these cases, a person may have a thinner upper lip or one that simply pulls back more when the facial position of a smile is taken.
In these cases, a gummy smile is likely due to genetics and not unhealthy teeth. This doesn’t mean that you can’t fix it with orthodontistry, however. It just means that you’ll have to work with a qualified orthodontist who understands your needs and desires for a smile that you prefer.
Short Teeth
For some individuals, having teeth that simply appear short in comparison to the gums when they smile is natural. This may be due to lip placement or the way the individual naturally smiles, but other factors may be to blame as well.
Issues like periodontitis—which can cause the gums to recede and look like they’re pulling away from the teeth—can create this issue in many people. Periodontitis can be treated through aggressive therapy, and procedures like scaling and root planing may need to be performed by your dentist or orthodontistry service to return gums to their normal healthy state.
Excessive Wear
Over time, excessive wear or trauma to the teeth can give them the appearance that they’re shorter than they should be, exposing more gum tissue when you smile. For some, this wear is related to dental hygiene issues or decay that hasn’t been treated properly in the past.
Excessive wear may also be the result of certain medical conditions or injuries caused by things like contact sports or car accidents. In the case of excessive dental wear, your dentist and an orthodontistry service will be able to help repair your smile through tooth and gum-related treatments.
Crown Lengthening
When it comes to treating a gummy smile, there is one option that is the gold standard for individuals with mostly healthy teeth or teeth that can be restored to full health through treatment. This process is referred to as crown lengthening.
Crown lengthening is a procedure in which your orthodontist will remove excess tissue where your teeth and gums meet, exposing more of the tooth surface. This effectively lengthens the tooth and changes the way your smile is perceived.
For some people, crown lengthening with the application of veneers following treatment provides the best possible results and a smile that they can be proud of for years to come.
Having a great smile allows you to put your best foot forward and can boost your self-confidence in a major way. If you feel like your smile is too gummy, seeking orthodontistry treatment as soon as possible can help you achieve the appearance you’ve always wanted.
For more information about improving a gummy smile, contact Carlyle Orthodontics today!