WHAT IS A GUMMY SMILE?

A gummy smile occurs when a disproportionate amount of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth when smiling. Generally, more than 4 millimeters of exposed gumline is considered aesthetically unpleasing. The causes of a gummy smile may include:

• Teeth that appear short due to improper eruption, remaining partially covered by gum tissue.
• Teeth that are small in proportion to the gums, due to genetics or wear.
• Elongated or enlarged gums, known as gingival hypertrophy.

GUM CONTOURING VS CROWN LENGTHENING

Treating a gummy smile is a relatively straightforward and common procedure suitable for most age groups. However, as gummy smiles have various causes, a thorough examination and diagnostic process is essential to determine the correct underlying cause. Treatment may involve the removal of soft tissue (gum) alone or both soft tissue and alveolar bone.

GUM CONTOURING

Gum contouring, also known as gingival contouring, is a procedure that addresses an uneven gum line. This minimally invasive treatment reshapes the gum line to adjust the tooth-to-gum ratio, with a typically swift recovery period.

Reduction of soft tissue alone is indicated when there is adequate attached gingiva and more than 3 mm of tissue coronal to the bone crest. If there is inadequately attached gingiva and less than 3 mm of soft tissue, both gum and bone recontouring are necessary. Recovery time for gum contouring typically ranges from a few days to a week.

CROWN LENGTHENING

Crown lengthening involves the removal of both gum tissue and alveolar bone. This procedure is performed when patients lack sufficient exposed tooth structure to properly accommodate a dental crown or other restoration. The recovery time for crown lengthening is at least one week and may extend to several weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery.