Gummy smile: Exploring my options

For some people, the aesthetic of their smile may be overshadowed by the presence of excessive gum tissue, commonly referred to as a "gummy smile”, impacting one’s self-esteem and overall facial harmony.

Here, Dr Sahil Patel, renowned cosmetic dentist in London, provides an expert insight into the intricacies of the gummy smile phenomenon, exploring its characteristics, common signs, and available treatment options.

What is a gummy smile?

A gummy smile is defined as an excessive display of pink gum tissue when smiling and/or at rest. Excessive gum display can be anything greater than 2mm of gum display when smiling.

What are the signs of a gummy smile?

Showing teeth that look too small and showing more than 2mm of gum when speaking and smiling.

What are the available treatments for gummy smiles?

A gummy smile can be treated through various methods, depending on its underlying cause and severity. Common treatments include:

• Laser gum lift
• Surgical gum lift
• Braces
• Muscle relaxant for the upper lip
• Lip repositioning surgery
• Jaw surgery

What are the risks and complications of gummy smile treatments?

The greatest risk is the level of invasiveness combined with the relatively unpredictable nature of all of the treatment options. Usually, the best option is selected from a bad bunch, and this is due to the nature of all the methods being a non-exact science. The body will respond and heal to its stable gum position after the treatment, which may or may not precisely align where the dentist and patient would like the gum to be.

How long does a gummy smile treatment take?

The duration of a gummy smile treatment can vary depending on the specific method chosen and the patient's unique circumstances.

Here’s an approximate timeframe for each treatment:

• Laser gum lift: Around 1 appointment of 60 minutes duration.
• Surgical gum lift: Around 2 appointments of 90 minutes duration.
• Braces: Around 9 - 18 months.
• Muscle relaxant for the upper lip: Around 1 - 2 appointments and 3 - 6 monthly top-ups thereafter.
• Lip repositioning surgery: Around 3 - 6 months.
• Jaw surgery: Around 6 - 24 months.

If you would like to consult your options with an expert, schedule an appointment with Dr Sahil Patel via his Top Doctors profile today.