
Why Do I Have a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile isn’t any kind of illness you should worry about, but many people who show a lot of gum in their smiles feel uncomfortable. A friendly smile is important in social interactions and even career advancement. If your self-esteem suffers because of a gummy smile, we can help.
Improving the appearance of your smile can have a significant impact on your self-esteem and appearance. Doris Giraldo, DDS, cosmetic dentistry specialist at New Dimension Dentistry in Midtown East, Manhattan, offers a variety of options to help you achieve a brilliant, winning smile, including gum contouring.
What causes a gummy smile?
There are a few reasons you might have a gummy smile.
A gummy smile can be caused by teeth covered in too much gum tissue or small teeth that create the impression of a gummy smile. If the levator muscle of your upper lip is overdeveloped, it can pull your upper lip up too much when smiling, exposing too much gum.
For some, gum contouring is an effective solution.
What is gum contouring?
Gum contouring is a form of cosmetic dentistry used to correct and reshape excessive or uneven gums.
Before the procedure, Dr. Giraldo uses local anesthesia to numb the area. Next, the dentist fixes the uneven gum strip by removing excess gum tissue as needed and shaping the gum line with a laser or other cutting tool until it appears even and natural. This process exposes a little more of the tooth enamel and can usually be completed in a single office visit.
Gum contouring is also known as a gum lift and is relatively painless. While some people experience discomfort and swelling for the first few days after the procedure, healing time is usually quick.
Benefits of gum contouring
Gum contouring can offer subtle changes in the appearance of your smile. Here are the changes you can expect from a gum contouring procedure:
- Balanced gum tissue
- Even and natural gum lines
- Attractive tooth shape
- A more symmetrical smile
- Immediate results
Dr. Giraldo delivers long-term results to correct and restore your beautiful smile.
Correcting a gummy smile
Depending on the type of intervention, there are different methods of treating a gummy smile. Gum contouring can correct malformations such as excessive or uneven gums. Excess tissue is gently and painlessly removed with the help of a laser, giving the teeth a new, harmonious shape. It’s a minimally invasive procedure with a major impact on your smile and, ultimately, your self-confidence.
Are you looking for a way to improve the look of your smile? Call New Dimension Dentistry today or request an appointment online now.
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