Have you noticed that some people, when smiling, show a large amount of gum, greater than usual? It is what is known as a gummy smile.
Although for some people it is not important, there are others for whom it becomes an aesthetic problem that spoils the smile and that can affect self-esteem and confidence. Fortunately, there is an easy solution, with or without surgery, to remedy it.
What is considered a gingival smile?
In addition to this, the gingival smile is usually better accepted by women than by men. This is because if the relationship between gums, teeth and lips is not excessively disproportionate, it can bring sweetness and a childish appearance to the face.
According to dentists, we consider that a man has a gummy smile when he smiles when he shows more than two millimeters of gum. For its part, the gingival smile is considered in women from an exposure of three or four millimeters of gum.
Also, it should be noted that showing a greater amount of gingiva than usual does not lead to a problem or pathology on its own.
For example, there are some people who believe that a gummy smile can lead to periodontal problems. However, this problem does not occur unless the gum exposure is extreme.
Causes of the gummy smile
The main cause is usually an altered passive rash. When the gum does not retract properly with the eruption of the teeth and the enamel is not fully shown, the crown of the tooth is partially covered by the gum.
Low dental position.
Vertical overgrowth of the upper jaw.
Due to the lack of contact with its lower analogues, an over-eruption of the upper incisors occurs.
Upper lip short or with excessive mobility, exposing the gum when raised excessively.
Lack of dental hygiene, derived from inflammation of the gums.
Is there a solution for the gingival smile?
When the cause of the gingival smile is too long a maxilla, it is necessary to go to orthognathic surgery, which allows the position of the facial bones to be modified until they are brought to their optimal position.
In cases of altered passive eruption the treatment is a gingivectomy, by means of which it is possible to contour the shape of the gum to discover the part of the tooth that should be visible.
Over-eruption of the upper incisors results in a low dental position. The solution in this case is to perform orthodontic treatment.
In cases of a short upper lip or with high mobility, the action of the lip muscles must be altered through infiltrations of botulinum toxin, which non-invasively prevent the upper lip from rising too high, showing too much gingiva. Although it is not definitive, since it must be repeated approximately every 4 months, as applications are repeated, the muscle weakens.
Benefits
The main benefits of any treatment to correct a gingival smile are eminently aesthetic, since they embellish the patient’s smile, providing proportion and harmony.
Do you want to evaluate your oral health? Call us and make your first appointment online or through the phone. 96 3303344 or 96 0500242 or on our website www.clinicadentalponssoria.com and consult with your dentist in Valencia.
We will be happy to assist you at our clinic on Calle Alfredo Torán y Olmos, 7 (corner of Avda. Francia, 27) Valencia.
Do you find our articles interesting? Here you will find more! Keep up to date with all our news and news in oral health on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.