One of the first things people notice about you is the quality of your grin, and if yours is overly gummy, it can leave you feeling self-conscious. Whether it’s due to genetically smaller teeth, excessive gum tissue, or hyperactive upper lip muscles, you might worry so much about your appearance that you avoid interacting with others.
Thankfully, there are a few ways your dentist can address a gummy smile and boost your confidence. Keep reading below to learn about 3 procedures that might help!
Treatment #1: BOTOX
Many patients are surprised to learn that their dentist is licensed to administer BOTOX shots. Derived from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, this solution blocks nerve signals to your muscles which forces them to be still and relax. Your dentist can inject it in specific areas to achieve certain results. They often use it to address jaw pain, skin wrinkles, and even an overly gummy grin.
If your upper lip retracts too much, it can show off more gums than you’d like every time you laugh. Inserting BOTOX around your mouth and nose can “freeze” it in place. When the muscles are more relaxed, your lip line won’t reveal as much of your gums when you lift the corners of your mouth. You’ll be able to smile authentically without worrying that you’ll reveal too much connective tissue.
Treatment #2: Gum Recontouring
Although BOTOX is an effective way to hide excess gum tissue, it doesn’t resolve the underlying concern. If your gums are overgrown, they cover more of the surface of your teeth than they should. Your teeth can seem too short or misshapen as a result.
Fortunately, your dentist can surgically remove any excess bone and gum tissue to give your mouth a well-balanced appearance. They’ll numb the area first (and/or provide sedation) so you’re kept comfortable the entire time. Then, using a scalpel or special laser, they trim away surplus tissue so that more of your natural teeth are exposed. Once your overgrown gums are trimmed back, everything will look much more even.
Treatment #3: Veneers
Many people wanting to improve their smile prefer to avoid injections or invasive procedures. If that sounds like you, then you might benefit from porcelain veneers. These thin, ceramic shells are bonded to the front surface of your teeth to hide unsightly flaws like chips, cracks, slight gaps, or misshapen teeth. Although your dentist will need to remove a small amount of enamel for them to fit properly, there’s no need for shots or incisions with this method. Plus, they’re fully customized to be the ideal shape and shade so that once they’re placed, you’ll have a beautifully seamless smile.
Contact your dentist for a consultation today, and soon you could have the perfectly gorgeous grin you’ve always dreamed of!
About the Author
Dr. Gary Chaffee has almost 50 years of experience helping people achieve happy, healthy smiles. He graduated from the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in 1975 and is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. If you want to upgrade your appearance, he’s a trusted expert who can help. His office combines a spa-like environment with state-of-the-art technology to enhance your comfort while increasing the accuracy of treatment results. If you’re interested in cosmetic services and want a consultation, you can request one on the website or by calling (805) 576-8157.