Advanced Dentistry

Gummy Smile

When you smile, does it appear like your teeth seem to be proportionally out of balance with too much excessive gum tissue? Does it look like your teeth seem too short?

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excessive gingival display

Gummy Smile

When you smile, does it appear like your teeth seem to be proportionally out of balance with too much excessive gum tissue? Does it look like your teeth seem too short?

If this is indeed your case, you might have an issue that is commonly called a gummy smile, or excessive gingival display.

A gummy smile can have an adverse impact on the perception of your smile. But your gummy smile can be easily corrected with one of a few different treatment options (one being gum contouring).

Traynor Periodontics & Implants provides a variety of surgical and non-surgical services for the treatment of periodontal issues. We are well-known for our excellent communication style and warm presence. We are extremely effective with all clinical practices due to our consistent engagement with the innovative, technological improvements in the dental industry. We pride ourselves on the fact that we are very conservative in our treatment recommendations and limit surgery to the areas where it is absolutely necessary. Call Traynor Periodontics & Implants at 203-661-5885 with any questions or to make an appointment to evaluate your possible gummy smile.

An attractive smile is actually more than straight, white teeth, but also the proper ratio between the teeth and gums. A gummy smile will show more gum than is what is considered desirable. If your gummy smile is bothering you, gum contouring can quickly deliver an aesthetically pleasing balance between your teeth and gums when you smile.

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Why is my smile gummy?

Some Causes of a Gummy Smile

A gummy smile does not mean there is anything fundamentally wrong with your teeth or your gums. The perfect ratio between your teeth and your gums is usually a cosmetic issue, and it is not a problem unless you become self-conscious about it. Although, it could happen because the teeth did not emerge correctly from your gums, which is called delayed passive eruption. It can also happen if your upper lip pulls back farther than normal during your smile.

Your smile will also look gummy if your teeth are smaller or have become worn down. Traynor Periodontics & Implants can easily correct your gummy smile and with gum contouring to modify your gum-line.

Here are a few examples of some causes of a gummy smile:

  • An excessive display of gum tissue in your upper arch can be the result of the abnormal eruption of your teeth. Teeth that are covered with too much gum tissue appear shorter, even though they are of normal length.
  • The muscle that controls your upper lip may be hyperactive, which causes your upper lip to lift higher than normal. More of your gum tissue is now exposed when you smile.
  • The way your upper jawbone grew and developed can also create the appearance of a gummy smile. If there is an excessive bulging protrusion of your upper jaw, you will experience a gummy appearance when you smile.

A balanced smile

Is It Just an Aesthetic Problem?

The smile line or aesthetic zone, which is the teeth that are visible during your smile, is determined by several contributing factors, including:

  • The shape, size, and length of your front teeth.
  • Your visible gum tissue.
  • The size and shape of your lips.
  • Your facial muscles.

The preferred smile line appearance should actually reveal just a smaller amount of gum tissue. Your gum tissue visible in your smile should be balanced, with even gumline contours that are in parallel and harmony with your upper lip. This is a reason that you may find your smile unattractive, even feeling reluctant to share your smile.

Traynor Periodontics & Implants might find more serious underlying dental conditions. If you do have a gummy smile as a result of how your teeth erupted or how your jaw has developed, you could also have an uncomfortable or improper bite that will affect your long-term oral health.

If you believe you might have a gummy smile, visit us

The Different Treatment Options for a Gummy Smile

If you believe you might have a gummy smile, visit the caring team at Traynor Periodontics & Implants for an evaluation and your treatment options.

There is documented research that conclude that smiles are attractive when two millimeters or less of gum tissue is exposed. With three millimeters or more, the smile was considered gummy.

When you visit our office, we will examine your mouth, teeth, and gums to determine the extent of your excessive gingival display and the potential causes. This examination could include conventional or digital impressions of your teeth and gums. We will also capture X-rays so we can examine your tooth roots and jawbone. Treatment at Traynor Periodontics & Implants might include one or more of the following:

  • Same-day laser treatments if the case is minor and straightforward.
  • Surgical sculpting of your gum tissue and even bone to create healthier, natural, and more attractive looking gum contours.
  • Surgical lip repositioning.
  • Orthodontics to move the teeth into correct positions if the issue is alignment.
  • Maxillofacial surgery to reposition any bone.
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Personalized Care for

Your
Unique Needs

We recognize that every patient is different, with unique oral health needs and goals. That is why we take a personalized approach to care, tailoring our treatment plans to your specific situation. Dr. Traynor will work closely with you to develop a plan that addresses your concerns and helps you achieve your desired outcomes.

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Treatment Plans for You

Our mission at Traynor Periodontics & Implants is to help patients live healthier lives. We provide a caring, nurturing environment where your comfort and health are of primary importance. We feel we are the best in our field. From complex periodontal surgery to less invasive therapeutic treatments, we create sophisticated treatment plans customized to your unique needs. Experience next-level care and exceptional results in our state-of-the-art facility. Efficient and courteous, our remarkable staff is committed to providing you with outstanding care. We blend our world-class specialty education with ongoing research and clinical endeavors to provide the highest level of periodontal solutions to each and every patient. You can find Traynor Periodontics & Implants at 15 Valley Drive, Suite 302, Greenwich, CT. Or call us today at 203-661-5885.

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Traynor Periodontics & Implants

Discover exceptional care and tailored treatment plans at Traynor Periodontics & Implants. Achieve a balanced, beautiful smile with our advanced procedures and expert team.