Gummy smile: When should we fix it
In smile aesthetics, teeth play a leading role. However, we should not overlook the fact that the appearance of the gums is just as important, as they function as a framework for our smile.
The smile which exposes a very large part of the gums is called gingival
The harmonious position of the gums in relation to the teeth and their appearance in the right proportion when we smile is of the utmost importance in order for beautiful teeth to stand out. Exposure of a large part of the gums, on the other hand, makes a smile less attractive.
What distance is considered a gummy smile?
Although there are many different opinions among specialists (orthodontists and dentists), the ideal distance from the part of the gum that touches your teeth and your upper lip is about three millimetres. Any distance longer is considered a gummy smile.
In any case, however, the anatomy of the face and its proportions determine when a smile is attractive and when the intervention of a specialist is needed.
So, the answer to the question “When should we correct the gummy smile” is “only when it really bothers us”.
Why is the gummy smile formed?
It is very important to diagnose the cause of the gummy smile, before the treatment, so that the result of any intervention is final and successful.
What causes a gummy smile:
Even when the teeth have a normal position and arrangement in the mouth, the gums may show some irregularities in thickness and especially in height. As a result, some teeth look shorter than others. The exact diagnosis for the cause of the problem will be made by the orthodontist, who will also suggest an appropriate invasive treatment.
Which specialist will restore the gummy smile?
Depending on the cause of the gummy smile, sometimes the cooperation of different dental specialties may be necessary: definitely an orthodontist but maybe also a periodontist (in case a small movement of the gums is needed) or even a maxillofacial surgeon (in case a slight upper jaw movement is needed).
Gingivoplasty for a flawless smile
In most cases, a combination of gingivoplasty with various techniques of aesthetic dentistry is required – for example, aesthetic veneers, teeth whitening, etc., in order to restore the harmonious arrangement of teeth and gums for a result that will satisfy you completely.
