Excessive display of gum tissue while smiling, known as a gummy smile, can cause discomfort for individuals from an aesthetic standpoint. This condition can stem from various reasons, such as excessive length of the gums or shorter-than-normal teeth. There are several different approaches to treating gummy smile, which will be discussed in this article. We also address frequently asked questions about the topic later in the text.

What are the Causes of Gummy Smile?

Gummy smile refers to the phenomenon where the palate is visible by more than approximately 2 mm when a person smiles or speaks. In some individuals, the teeth are long and the gums are short, while in others, the teeth are short and the gums are long. Those experiencing a gummy smile have a palate length much longer than 2 mm, which can be discomforting. Below are some causes of gummy smile:

  • Excessive vertical growth of the upper jaw
  • Side effects of certain medications leading to gum enlargement
  • Short teeth
  • Excessive movement of the upper lip muscles causing the lip to rise excessively when smiling or speaking
  • Thin upper lip resulting in more prominent gums
  • Irregular shape of teeth emerging during childhood

What is the Treatment for Gummy Smile?

gülerken diş etlerinin görünmesi
gülerken diş etlerinin görünmesi

There are various treatment methods for gummy smile, with the most commonly sought-after and effective ones being:

  1. Crown Lengthening Treatment Crown lengthening treatment involves either removing the gum tissue covering the tooth or adjusting the underlying bone structure. Procedures such as gingivectomy, flap surgery, or gingivoplasty are performed for this purpose. It is also referred to as tooth lengthening treatment.The procedure is carried out by a periodontist (gum disease specialist) under local anesthesia. The process can be done in two different stages: firstly, excess gum tissue is removed by the surgeon, and secondly, excess bone is removed, and the jawbone is reshaped.
  2. Botulinum Toxin Injection (Botox Treatment) Botox, commonly used for aesthetic purposes in various fields, is also utilized in gummy smile treatments. In this treatment method, after applying local anesthesia to the patient, botulinum toxin is injected into specific points of the upper jaw.By applying botox to the upper lip muscles, the upward movement of the lip is prevented. This reduces the appearance of gum tissue.The procedure is relatively short and shows its effects within about a week. The patient achieves a beautiful smile after about 2 weeks. The effect of botox lasts between 4 to 6 months.
  3. Orthodontic Treatment or Surgery Orthodontic treatment or surgery is another option for gummy smile treatment. In orthodontic treatment, teeth can be brought to their normal positions through the use of braces, or surgical intervention can be performed to bury the upper jaw. This reduces the appearance of gum tissue when smiling.

How Much Do Gummy Smile Treatments Cost?

gülerken diş etlerinin görünmesi
gülerken diş etlerinin görünmesi

Gummy smile treatment costs vary depending on the chosen treatment method. For precise pricing information, you can contact us via WhatsApp, email, or phone.

If you're experiencing issues with gum tissue display while smiling, we recommend consulting a dentist to determine the most suitable treatment method for your problem.