Gummy Smile - Lip Repositioning Surgery in London

A gummy smile, scientifically referred to as gingival display, occurs when an excessive portion of the gum line is visible during a smile. Since it is primarily a cosmetic concern rather than a health issue, the assessment of a gummy smile is subjective and varies from person to person. Generally, individuals tend to consider their smile as gummy when 3 millimeters or more of their gum tissue is exposed while smiling.

Our highly skilled surgeons treat gummy smiles through a procedure known as gummy smile surgery. This surgery, also called lip repositioning surgery, lip lowering surgery, or gummy tuck, is particularly effective when the gummy smile is attributed to the structure of the upper lip.

 

Causes of a gummy smile

A gummy smile may result from any of the following:

• Hypermobile lip

Hypermobile lip results in a gummy smile. This is when the muscle that controls the movement of your upper lip is hyperactive. This causes your upper lip to rise higher than normal, allowing your gum tissue to expose more than normal when you smile.

• Abnormal eruption of teeth

An abnormal eruption of teeth is where the teeth come through at the wrong position and can result in an excessive display of gum tissue in your upper jaw. In this case, the teeth appear very short because they are covered by excessive gum even if they are the usual teeth length.

• Upper jaw bone development

The way your upper jaw bone develops can lead to a gummy smile. This can be because the upper jaw bone is too low for a patient’s lip line or tgere is excessive bulging and protrusion of their upper jaw resulting in a gummy smile.

Why is gummy smile more than just an aesthetic Problem?

Several factors determine the beauty of your smile or your smile line. Some of these factors include the shape and size of your teeth or lips, shape and size of your lips, your facial muscles and gum tissue.

A beautiful smile starts from the amount of gum that appears when you smile; having more of your gum tissue visible when you smile can take away from the beauty of your smile. When you smile, your visible gum tissue should be balanced, and the contours should be in harmony with the upper lip.

Some people with a gummy smile can feel their smiles are unattractive and sometimes feel reluctant even to attempt a smile.

Treating gummy smile

When you visit Museum Dental Suites for a gummy smile consultation, we first examine your teeth and gums for possible causes of excessive gingival tissue during your smile to know the treatment options to recommend. The examination may involve the use of X-ray imaging to check tooth roots and jaw bone and other possible causes of your gummy smile.

Your dentist can recommend different treatment options depending on the severity of your condition; some might even require you to see other specialists such as an orthodontist, an oral surgeon or periodontist. Some treatments your dentist might recommend include:

• Repositioning of your lip surgically.
• The use of orthodontic braces to move the teeth into more suitable positions.
• Same-day laser treatments (if it is a minor case).
• Repositioning of the bone through maxillofacial surgery to reposition the bone
• Sculpting the gingival tissues and bone surgically to create healthier and more attractive gum contours.

At Museum Dental Suites, we specialise in correcting different dental problems, your gummy smile is not an exception.

Are you still wondering what to do about that gummy smile? Call us today on 0207 183 0886 to book an appointment with our dentist and get back that confident smile.

• Call us on : 0207 183 0886
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