Fix my Gummy Smile

What is a gummy smile?

A gummy smile is when too much gum is shown when you smile. Commonly, a smile is considered ‘gummy’ when more than 3-4 millimetres of gum tissue is exposed. Gummy smiles are common, and it depends on the person whether the smile needs to be fixed.

What causes a gummy smile?

There are a few causes of a gummy smile, most of which are genetic.

– Short upper lip

– Small or short teeth. Your teeth may be small after not growing correctly and still being covered by some of the gum tissue

– Hyperactive upper lip. This occurs when the upper lip muscles contract too much, revealing more of your gums as the upper lip rises

– Skeletal issue. The upper jaw may be too large or protrude too far out, making the gums appear more prominent than they are.

– Gingival Hypertrophy. An overgrowth of gum tissue around the teeth

How big of a problem is it?

Whilst a gummy smile is not a medical issue, it can damage your confidence. Whether it is significant or not, choosing to fix your gummy smile is a personal decision. Consulting with an orthodontist is a great way to get an insight into how to proceed in getting your gummy smile fixed.

How can braces/Invisalign help?

Braces and Invisalign can help improve your smile, not only through straightening, but can also improve your gummy smile. If you have a gummy smile due to the position of your teeth or jaw, braces or Invisalign can help. Jaw alignment can affect how much of your gums are shown, so fixing this with braces or Invisalign can reduce the amount of gum that you see.

At Tony Weir Orthodontics we pride ourselves in giving our clients beautiful smiles for life, so even if your gummy smile can’t be fixed through orthodontics, we can provide you with some alternate solutions.