“Gummy” is a word used to describe people who show a lot of gum when they smile. About 7 percent of men and 14 percent of women have gummy smiles, and experts believe the number could be higher.
Prominent gums are not the easiest to hide. You can cover your mouth with your hand or practice keeping your smile to a minimum. But sometimes, the jokes get too funny, and you can’t help but laugh your heart out.
Such moments should bring you joy instead of embarrassment. But if your gums are taking the joy out of laughing, we have cosmetic dentistry procedures in Bethlehem that may correct your gummy smile.
An Aesthetic Concern with Overreaching Impacts
A gummy smile doesn’t require treatment as it doesn’t hinder normal teeth function. It is, however, an aesthetic concern. A person’s perception that his or her smile can be better often leads to low self-esteem, which impacts other areas of life.
An early study by Kelton Research substantiates this claim. Its results showed that an attractive smile is advantageous when socializing, networking, or going on job interviews. Those with straight teeth are also 58 percent more likely to be wealthy; 45 percent more likely to get a job, and 57 percent more likely to land a date.
The study may have given more emphasis on straight teeth as an outstanding aesthetic quality, but the issue on gummy smiles still fit the argument. One of its findings is that two out of three Americans are more likely to remember people with attractive smiles.
The study’s results aside, people with gummy smiles are free to seek treatment. Here are the conventional methods dentists use.
Treating Overbites and Arrested Teeth Eruption
Gummy smiles may have several causes:
- High lip line
- Excessive gum tissue
- A stalled eruption of permanent teeth
- Overbite
- Improper development of the jaw bone
Treatments include laser treatments, lip repositioning, orthodontic braces, and surgery. The surgical procedures range from the simple removal of excess gum tissue to expose more of the teeth to more complex bone repositioning.
Dentists recommend treatments based on the etiology of a gummy smile. Lasting Smiles of Highland Park may require you to have a comprehensive dental exam so our dentists can have a better understanding of your condition.
Lip Service
Sometimes the traditional treatment methods of correcting overbites and trimming extra gum tissue are not enough to remedy a gummy smile. When this happens, your dentist may recommend cosmetic procedures on your lip.
Botox is a popular treatment and a good alternative for people who want to avoid surgery. Your dentist will target the upper lip, which is the upper portion of the orbicularis oris. He or she may also administer Botox injections to the muscles extending up the sinuses (levator labii superioris) and cheeks (zygomaticus minor). Collectively, people call them the elevator muscle as they pull up the lip when you smile, talk, or chew.
Don’t let a prominent gum line hold you back from smiling and expressing your joy. If you feel that a gummy smile treatment could improve your smile, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Lasting Smiles of Bethlehem. We’ll schedule a check-up and evaluate the treatment options that will work best for you. Contact us today.
