Gum Contouring in Croydon
Aesthetic recontouring of your teeth involves small, minimal adjustment of your teeth to reshape and level your smile. By altering the way your teeth reflect the light we can help to camouflage twisted or misshapen teeth without more invasive procedures.
Your gums frame and drape your teeth. Like a beautiful picture in the wrong frame, if the levels and shape of your gums aren't right, your smile may not look right, your smile may not look right. By altering the shapes of your gums, we can lengthen your teeth and improve your confidence in your smile.
Lengthen the appearance of your teeth by reshaping your gums.
Shorten, smoothen or level your teeth to improve your smile line.
A gummy smile is a dental condition where a significant portion of the gums is visible when a person smiles. This can make the teeth appear smaller or shorter than they actually are, affecting the overall aesthetics of the smile.
There can be several causes of gummy smiles, including:
- Excessive gum tissue: Some individuals naturally have more gum tissue covering their teeth, leading to a gummy appearance.
- Short upper lip: When the upper lip is shorter than normal, it may not adequately cover the gums while smiling.
- Hyperactive upper lip muscle: A hyperactive muscle in the upper lip can cause the lip to rise higher than usual, revealing more of the gums.
- Abnormal jaw growth: If the upper jaw develops in a way that protrudes forward, it can expose more of the gums.
Yes, gummy smiles can be corrected. There are various treatment options available, depending on the cause of the excessive gum display. Your dentist can recommend the most suitable treatment for your particular case.
Treatment options for gummy smiles may include:
- Gum contouring: This procedure involves reshaping the gum line to create a more balanced, harmonious smile.
- Botox injections: In some cases, a few carefully placed injections of Botox can relax the hyperactive muscle responsible for lifting the upper lip excessively.
- Orthodontic treatment: If the gummy smile is caused by jaw misalignment or improper tooth eruption, orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, may be recommended to correct the alignment and improve the overall appearance.
- Maxillofacial surgery: If the gummy smile is due to abnormal jaw growth, surgical intervention may be necessary to reposition the jaw and correct the alignment.
Most gummy smile treatments are minimally invasive and generate minimal discomfort. Local anesthesia is typically administered during gum contouring or oral surgeries to ensure patient comfort. The level of discomfort may vary depending on the individual's pain tolerance, but any post-treatment discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
The timeline for seeing results will depend on the specific treatment option chosen. Gum contouring, for example, can provide immediate results as the excess gum tissue is removed. Orthodontic treatment may take several months or even years to achieve the desired results, while maxillofacial surgery may require a longer recovery period.
Gummy smile treatments can be long-lasting, but some cases may require periodic maintenance. Gum contouring, for instance, generally provides permanent results, while orthodontic treatments may require the use of retainers to maintain the new alignment. It's important to follow your dentist's instructions and attend regular check-ups to ensure the longevity of your gummy smile treatment.
While gummy smile treatments primarily aim to enhance the aesthetics of a smile, they can also have functional benefits. In some cases, excessive gum display can interfere with proper oral hygiene practises or cause difficulties in speaking or chewing. By correcting a gummy smile, these functional issues can be addressed.
Gummy smile treatments are suitable for individuals who are unhappy with the appearance of their smile due to excessive gum display. However, it's essential to undergo a thorough dental examination to determine the cause of the gummy smile and the most appropriate treatment plan. Your dentist will consider various factors, such as overall oral health, personal goals, and medical history, to determine if you are a good candidate for gummy smile treatment.
