You smile and feel happy — but then you catch yourself wishing your gums weren't so noticeable. If too much gum shows when you smile, you're not alone. It's called a gummy smile, and there are ways to treat it.
What causes a gummy smile?
Your dentist will look at a few things to find out why your gums show more than you'd like. It could be the way your teeth erupted. It could be your lip position or how your jaw developed. Sometimes it's a combination of factors. Getting to the cause matters because that decides which treatment is right for you.
What are the treatment options?
One option is crown lengthening. Your dentist reshapes the gum line to reveal more of your tooth, making everything look more balanced. If the issue is a overactive upper lip, a small procedure to limit how high your lip rises can help. In some cases, orthodontic treatment to reposition the teeth does the trick. Your dentist will talk through what's most suitable for your situation.
What should you do next?
If your gummy smile bothers you, mention it at your next appointment. There's no pressure to do anything about it — but if you want to, your dentist can talk through your options with you. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but there's usually something that can help.
Ready to explore your options? Get in touch today.
Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com
Meads Village Dental Practice