Gummy Smile Correction

Gummy Smile Reduction

Teeth are a focal point for your smile however they are not the only part of the mouth that defines your look. If you have a gummy smile, particular procedures can be done to help enhance your appearance and improve your confidence.

What Is a Gummy Smile?

Patients with a gummy smile are unhappy with their ratio of gum tissue to upper teeth. Ideally, our smiles should consist almost entirely of teeth with the gums barely visible.

Gummy smiles can be caused by several different factors, including:

Excess gum tissue
Abnormal development of the teeth
A short or hyperactive upper lip
A protruding upper jaw

During your consultation, I will examine your teeth and gums to determine the cause of your gummy smile. I will then provide recommendations for adjusting the appearance of your teeth and gums so you can enjoy the smile you want. In summary there are both reversible methods and more permanent techniques to correct this.

What Is Lip Repositioning Surgery ?

Although several treatment options exist for a gummy smile, I have found that many patients benefit from a cosmetic procedure known as aesthetic lip repositioning.

Also called lip tacking, this minor surgical procedure involves adjusting the interior of the upper lip so that it is positioned lower on the face. The lip won’t rise as much when you smile, which will give your teeth added prominence for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Benefits of Lip Repositioning Surgery

The results of aesthetic lip repositioning can be dramatic. Patients who have been unhappy with their appearance for years because of a gummy smile are often astounded by the impact a fuller, more relaxed looking lip can have.

Other advantages of the procedure include:

Cosmetic improvement is immediate
Procedure only takes approximately 90 minutes
Minimal pain, recovery and downtime
No visible scars
No effect on the movement of the mouth