Hello, this is Dr. Virginia Ellis at Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. Today, I'm going to be talking about gummy smiles. People have been asking about gummy smiles, and I'm going to provide a better understanding of this topic.
What is a gummy smile and what causes it?
A gummy smile is when people smile and, instead of having a typical smile, they show a lot of their gums. They have a very high gummy smile, showing more gums on their upper anterior teeth than most people do.
At what point is a smile considered too gummy?
In most cases, it's when the gums are about three or four millimeters above the teeth, equivalent to the thickness of two pennies. If you can stack two pennies thick, that's considered higher than usual for most people's gummy smile. Ultimately, it's really about how you feel about yourself. If the gummy smile doesn't bother you and doesn't prevent you from normal daily functions like speaking or eating properly, you don't have to do anything about it. But if you feel, "Oh my gosh, I don't like the way I look. It really bothers me," then you have some options to consider.
What are the most common treatment options for fixing a gummy smile?
You have some reversible treatments like Botox. Sometimes Botox shots can paralyze the muscles, so when you smile, your lips don't contract as much. The other option, which is more irreversible, involves treating an overgrowth of your gums. This can be done by cutting back the gums. Sometimes your gums can be overgrown, so if you have overgrown gums, you could have laser surgery to cut back and show more of the tooth height. This procedure is called gingivectomy, where the gum margin is trimmed to show less gum when smiling. Another cause could be the way your anatomy developed during childhood and adolescence, such as an overgrowth of the upper jaw, causing a misbite that pulls the upper lip up more.
How long do results from Botox for a gummy smile typically last?
If you get Botox to paralyze the muscles of the upper lip, it typically lasts about 3 to 6 months. You need touch-ups every 3 to 6 months, so it's not a one-time procedure that lasts forever.
Can surgery be used to correct a gummy smile?
Yes. There are two main types of surgery. If you have an overgrowth of your gums at the gum line for your front teeth, you can have laser or regular surgery to cut back and show more of the teeth. The other is braces and jaw surgery, a longer and very intensive process that is irreversible. Lip repositioning surgery is another option, done after major portions of braces are finished.
How effective are different treatments for a gummy smile?
If your gummy smile is due to a misaligned bite or how your skull formed during growth, the treatment is effective but takes time. Braces come first, followed by jaw surgery, which is intense. Your mouth is usually wired shut for about 30 days, and you're restricted to a liquid diet. The end result is generally very good but requires commitment and is irreversible. Gingivectomy is another option for gum overgrowth, trimming back the gum line if possible. Botox is a reversible option, while lip repositioning is irreversible and usually performed by a plastic surgeon.
Are there side effects or risks of treating my gummy smile?
Any surgical procedure, including Botox shots, carries risks. Never assume a procedure is risk-free. The biggest risk with surgeries is infection. Though usually safe, nothing is guaranteed to be without risk.
What are the side effects of treating a gummy smile?
Most side effects are temporary, such as inflammation, bruising, and discomfort from initial procedures like shots or gum line trimming. Jaw surgery is major, requiring a month-long recovery, but the results can be very rewarding.
What is the difference between temporary and permanent gummy smile correction?
Temporary corrections last about three to six months, like Botox injections. Permanent corrections involve irreversible changes to your lips, mouth, and bite, such as gingivectomies, braces, and jaw surgery.
Can you share what patients can expect from a gummy smile treatment before and after?
Patients can expect increased self-confidence, especially if the gummy smile significantly affects their appearance, speech, or bite. Treatment can lead to improved self-confidence and function.
How do you help patients decide which gummy smile fix is right for them?
We identify the actual cause of the gummy smile, sometimes requiring molds or x-rays, especially if it's due to a bite issue or uneven jaw growth. We discuss the options and the true nature of the cause, considering the patient's desires and preferences. Some may prefer surgery, while others opt for less invasive options like Botox for temporary effects.
If you have any questions, I hope this video answers them. Please like the video, subscribe to the channel for more information, especially in dentistry. For further questions, visit us at www.orindadentist.com or call (925) 272-2698. I'll see you in the next video to answer more dental questions. Bye-bye.