Gummy Smile Katy TX
What is a Gummy Smile?
Someone is said to have a “gummy smile” when a disproportionate amount of gums are shown during smiling. That being said, a normal smile is subjective, and one person’s definition of a “gummy smile” may be different than another’s. Our goal is to help you achieve the type of smile you desire.
The Causes of a Gummy Smile
There are several causes of a gummy smile, including excessive gum tissue, excessive bone around teeth (sometimes causing short teeth and/or jaw protuberance), disproportionate jaw formation, a short upper lip, and/or a hyperactive upper lip. Dr. Holland will provide a thorough evaluation to determine the cause(s). He will consult with your restorative dentist and potentially an oral surgeon and/or orthodontist to offer options to achieve the desired result.
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What Can Be Done to Correct a Gummy Smile?
With excessive bone around teeth, a gingivectomy is sometimes performed in conjunction with aesthetic crown lengthening. Incisions are made to access and reshape the bone and gums to make the teeth appear longer. This procedure is sometimes performed together with veneers or crowns on the front teeth to create ideal contours for a beautiful smile. Your restorative dentist would plan the veneers or crowns and pass the information on to Dr. Holland so he can place the gums in the correct position.
Recovery from a Gummy Smile Procedure
The treatments listed above have different recovery times ranging from no time to a few months. For the procedures performed with Dr. Holland (gingivectomy and crown lengthening), the tissues will normalize in 1-2 weeks but will take 8-12 weeks to mature to their final position.