Are your teeth overshadowed by your gums every time you smile? Do they look short, stubby, or small? It’s a very common problem, causing many people to ask a simple question: “Why?” There are plenty of reasons why your smile might be more pink than white, and fortunately, proven ways to get the perfectly balanced look you desire.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
- Genetics: Your genes are responsible for your height and hair color, and they also might be why you have a gummy smile. In short, genetics can result in excessive gum tissue that covers the teeth or cause your jaw to develop in such a way that your gums show more prominently when you smile.
- Lip Position/Hyperactive Upper Lip: The smile is made up of three elements. Obviously the teeth, the gums, and one most people don’t think about—the lips. If the upper lip sits high or pulls back really far when you smile, this can reveal more of the gums.
- Altered Tooth Eruption: If the teeth are crooked or crowded, this can cause them to erupt in such a way that they are partially obstructed by the gums, preventing them from achieving their full length, which can throw off the proportion of the smile.
How to Fix a Gummy Smile
While you certainly can’t alter your genes or jaw development on your own, your cosmetic dentist in Oklahoma City knows how to help you reveal a bigger and brighter smile.
One way is with laser treatment, which involves removing the unnecessary gum tissue using a focused beam of light. This quickly, accurately, and comfortably unveils more enamel without the use of a scalpel or sutures. The instrument emits practically no heat or sound, and it cauterizes and sanitizes the area as it works. This results in a gentle procedure, much less bleeding and swelling compared to the traditional approach, and most importantly, longer and more eye-catching teeth!
Another option is to literally make the teeth appear bigger by placing veneers or Lumineers on them. Thin porcelain shells custom-designed by your dentist are bonded to the front of the teeth, lengthening them to achieve just the right balance when you smile. In most cases, the procedure can be completed in just two appointments after an initial consultation.
No Need To Wait
You’re not alone when it comes to having a gummy smile, but you also don’t have to be stuck with it forever. Taking it from mostly pink to dazzling white is more straightforward than you might think, so there’s no need to delay in finally getting the attractive and symmetrical look you desire.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Kirk has been brightening Oklahoma City smiles for more than 30 years as the leading cosmetic dentist in the area. Since graduating from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, he has continued to invest in his education and the latest technology so that his care is consistently more efficient, personalized, and comfortable. He’s also an active member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and Oklahoma Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Tired of seeing so much of your gums? Contact Grand Dental Studio today to take the first step toward a more confident and self-assured you.