Do you have a gummy smile that makes you want to hide your grin from the world? While gummy smiles are a normal occurrence, they often make many individuals feel self-conscious about their appearance. This, in turn, can affect their social and professional lives. I’m here to tell you there is a solution!
In case we haven’t met, my name is Dr. Greg Brown, the orthodontist at Greg Brown Orthodontics. As the second generation of “Dr. Brown” serving the Tri-Cities community, I’ve had the pleasure of helping many patients achieve a smile they love. If you’ve been considering a gummy smile treatment, but are concerned about the process, I am here today to help debunk some myths you may have heard and walk you through what you can expect.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile (also known as an excessive gingival display) is when the ratio of visible gum to teeth in a smile is larger than what is considered “aesthetically pleasing.” While this primarily depends on perception and varies widely from person to person, most industry professionals typically agree that around two millimeters or less of gum tissue meets the current “ideal standard.”
While longer gum tissue is one reason behind a gummy smile, a variety of causes create the perception of a gummy smile that have nothing to do with the gums at all. The causes of a gummy smile typically come from the following reasons:
- Naturally thicker gum tissue
- Small teeth
- An overactive or short upper lip
- Jaw development
- Tooth positioning
- Genetic facial proportions
- Medical conditions or medications that change your oral health
Common Myths to Debunk about Gummy Smile Treatments
Myth #1: “Gummy smile treatments are purely cosmetic.”
While a gummy smile treatment is often an aesthetic choice, it is not the only reason for treatment. In some cases, patients with gummy smiles can have functional problems, such as difficulty chewing or speaking. Prior to any treatment, a consultation with an orthodontist can help reveal the primary health factors behind the condition.
Myth #2: “You need surgery to fix a gummy smile.”
While surgery is one option for gummy smile treatment, it is not the only solution. Depending on the unique circumstances of your oral health, you may be eligible for any of the following treatment options:
- Braces or Invisalign
- Gum contouring (laser)
- Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)
Alternatively, you may need a multidisciplinary approach that combines some or even all of the above options to achieve the desired outcome. Talking with your orthodontist about your existing oral health condition, additional required procedures, and your preferences for gummy smile treatment is the best option to find the solution that is ideal for you.
Myth #3: “Braces can’t help with gummy smiles.”
Your current tooth and jaw positioning may actually be the reason behind your gummy smile. Therefore, braces or Invisalign treatment may be the practical solution to solve any required tooth repositioning and decrease your gummy smile at the same time.
Myth #4: “Treatments are painful and risky.”
While any medical treatment has potential risks and there can be some expected soreness and irritation, modern orthodontics has come a long way in the past 50 years. Patient comfort, safety, and advancements in orthodontic technology are of utmost priority in orthodontic practices.
At Greg Brown Orthodontics, our primary goal is the health and well-being of our patients. We always take the time to explain any treatment risks prior to the procedure, go over pain management techniques, and provide exceptional post-treatment care. Most times, our patients only report mild discomfort with some swelling and soreness that recedes after a couple of days.
Myth #5: “Gummy smiles are rare and untreatable.”
Gummy smiles are actually a common concern for many teenagers and adults, with proven, effective treatments. For example, here at Greg Brown Orthodontics, we’ve helped countless patients take advantage of our gummy smile treatment, often using a multidisciplinary approach to achieve a beautiful, functional smile they love.
Gummy Smile Treatments with Dr. Greg Brown
No matter the patient or condition, my approach to orthodontic treatment of any kind is with personalized treatment planning. For example, during your initial evaluation, I perform an oral health assessment and use digital imaging to assess your gum-to-tooth ratio. After an in-depth review of your current oral health and pre-existing conditions, my team and I map out your various customized treatment options – all designed to achieve a functional, beautiful smile you can use with confidence.
With us, your gummy smile treatment could include one of the following:
- Braces or Invisalign aligners to reposition your teeth to a better location
- Laser gum contouring to reshape excess gum tissue to reveal more of your teeth
- Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs), which are mini dental implants placed in the gum tissue to provide extra support and help reposition the teeth further into the gumline (generally paired with laser gum contouring afterward)
Through patient education and a comforting environment, my team and I encourage our patients to ask questions and be upfront with their priorities, like if they juggle a busy workload or have specific personal aesthetic preferences. We take the time to listen to your concerns and plans so that we can customize a treatment plan to best suit your life.
Take the First Step – Book a Gummy Smile Treatment Consultation Today
Teens and adults in the Tri-Cities area who are self-conscious about their smile, curious about gummy smile treatment, or have been told surgery is their only option, I am here to help! No matter what you may have been told about a gummy smile, your feelings are valid and there are many ways to address your concerns.
I’d love to meet with you if you’ve ever felt unsure about your smile or been told nothing can be done. Together, we can walk through your concerns and current lifestyle to find the right solution to give you the smile you’ve always wanted.
Schedule a consultation at Greg Brown Orthodontics—we’ll talk through your options and help you feel confident every time you smile.
