Gummy Smile Treatment
What Is Gummy Smile?
Gummy Smile is a condition in which the upper gum is more visible than usual during smiling. It cannot be reduced to a single cause or treatment; gum level, clinical tooth length, alveolar bone position, eruption angle, upper-lip length and lip movement are assessed together.
In some patients teeth look short; the actual reason may be excess gum tissue or passive-eruption issues. Cause analysis is important for correct planning.
Possible Causes
A hyperactive upper-lip elevator muscle may lift the lip excessively during smiling. Short clinical crowns or a high bone level may increase gum display. Orthodontic tooth position or gum hypertrophy may contribute.
Video analysis and measurement of visible gum in millimetres during smiling help diagnosis. Skeletal factors may affect the plan.
Treatment Approaches
In mild cases, gum contouring or gingivectomy may be sufficient. If bone level is high, crown lengthening surgery may be assessed. In lip-related cases, botulinum toxin may provide temporary muscle relaxation; surgical lip repositioning is an alternative.
Orthodontic intrusion or restorative treatment may be part of a multidisciplinary plan. Combined treatment is common.
Difference from Other Periodontal Procedures
Gummy Smile treatment requires cause-based planning; simply cutting gum tissue is not enough in every case. Contouring adjusts the aesthetic line; gingivectomy may include wider tissue removal. Crown lengthening aims to create a restorative margin.
Patient expectations may be clarified before treatment with photos and mock-up.
Expectations and Follow-up
Botox effect is temporary; surgical and periodontal results are assessed case by case. Healing time varies by method.
The restorative stage may be planned after periodontal treatment is completed. Regular review monitors smile-line stability.
Jaw-facial growth and facial proportions affect planning in young patients; treatment may be postponed if growth continues.
Upper-lip length and visible gum during smiling can be measured in millimetres; this measurement guides treatment choice.
Restorative treatment may be planned after periodontal adjustment; sequencing is important for treatment success.
Patient expectations should be clarified before treatment.
A multidisciplinary plan may require orthodontic and periodontology coordination.