Sparkling eyes and a smiling face, what a beautiful impression! A calm and attractive smile is a comfortable way to communicate between people. It is enough for someone to smile at you when you enter a new place to feel comfortable, and the feeling of gratitude to that person remains with you. But have you ever thought that some people may be ashamed of their laughter or hide it, believing that it is not beautiful enough? Some of them suffer from what is medically known as a gummy smile. What is this laugh, and is there a treatment for it? This is what we will explore in the following article from Dalili Medical.

What is a gummy smile?

 

A gummy smile, also known as a gummy smile, is a condition in which the gums appear excessively when smiling, exceeding 4 mm. This can happen for several reasons, such as small teeth, which makes the gums appear larger compared to the teeth, or the shape of the lips that may highlight the gums when laughing, in addition to some bad habits such as biting the lips or pushing the tongue against the teeth.

Is a gummy smile hereditary?

 

In many cases, the problem of gummy smile is linked to genetic factors, especially if a family member suffers from the same problem, which increases the likelihood of its appearance.

How long does it take to recover from a gummy smile?

 

The recovery period for a gummy smile usually takes about two weeks, depending on the type of treatment provided to the patient.

Is a gummy smile a congenital defect?

 

In most cases, a gummy smile is not considered a congenital defect, but can be the result of genetic factors, facial structure, or lip position, in addition to personal habits and dental problems. In some rare cases, it may be the result of a congenital defect such as a short lip or excessive gum growth.

What does normal gum look like?

 

Natural gums are characterized by their pink color and soft texture. They completely cover the lower part of the teeth and are clearly defined. They also adhere tightly to the teeth and are free of any signs of inflammation.

**Treatment of gummy smile resulting from jawbone problems**

Bone problems usually require surgical intervention, which may be followed by the use of orthodontic techniques.

The oral surgeon reshapes the upper jaw to a more appropriate size, then moves it to its ideal position and fixes it using special plates and screws.

After surgery, the patient may need to spend a full year in orthodontic treatment to adjust the jaw occlusion according to the new situation.

Although this treatment method requires a lot of time and financial effort, it achieves excellent results in most cases, contributing to radically changing patients' lives.

What is the treatment for gummy smile resulting from taking some medications?

 

If you suffer from gum enlargement resulting from one of the treatments that lead to this, it is advisable to talk to your doctor about the possibility of modifying the treatment plan. It is also important to take care of your oral and dental health to avoid gum problems and the appearance of gum pockets.

Is Botox permanent for gummy smile treatment?

 

No, as with other injection techniques, the results of Botox are temporary. The patient needs to repeat the injections every 4 to 6 months, and the results may last up to a year depending on the case.

When does the effect of Botox for a gummy smile begin?

 

The improvement in the appearance of the smile usually begins within 48 hours after the procedure, and it may take about two weeks to see noticeable results.

Can braces treat a gummy smile?

 

Yes, braces may be a suitable option for treating a gummy smile, as they help restore the teeth to their correct position.

How is a gummy smile diagnosed?

 

The appearance of a gummy smile is usually obvious, especially in the case of large gums. However, the doctor conducts a comprehensive examination of the patient's teeth and relies on several factors in his diagnosis, including:

- The patient's medical and family history, and whether a gummy smile is common in the family.

- The length of the teeth, as very short teeth are often associated with a gummy smile.

- The size of the upper lips, as many cases of gummy smile are characterized by a normal size of the gums, but the upper lips are short, revealing a larger area of ​​the gums when smiling. The upper lip is measured from the bottom of the nose to the opening of the upper lip, and the normal average is between 20 to 22 mm, and any measurements less indicate that it is short.

- Excessive movement of the upper lip muscles, which leads to the appearance of a large area of ​​gum.

A gum examination includes assessing any changes in its tissue and structure, including measuring the size of the gums. A smile is considered gummy if the exposed area of ​​gums when smiling exceeds 3 to 4 mm, and if the distance is 4 mm, it is considered unattractive.

The distance between the area between the eyebrows and the base of the nose is also measured, in addition to the distance from the base of the nose to the lower edge of the chin. These two distances should be equal.

What are the causes of a gummy smile?

 

The causes of a gummy smile can be classified based on the previous factors as follows:

. Dental causes:

- Teeth that appear shorter than usual due to not fully erupting, which leads to part of them disappearing under the gum tissue.

- Small teeth that may be caused by genetic factors, tooth erosion with age, or some bad habits such as nail biting or unconsciously clenching teeth when exposed to stress.

- Excessive growth of teeth during the growth period, which is accompanied by increased growth of gum tissue.

. Lip-related causes: Short upper lip length. Increased activity of the muscles responsible for the movement of the upper lip. The length and appearance of the lips appear normal when the face is relaxed, but when smiling, the upper lip rises excessively, revealing a larger amount of gum.

. Jawbone-related causes: Overgrowth of the upper jawbone, which also affects the growth of the gums covering it.

Some medicationsGum enlargement can appear as a side effect of some medications, including:

- Some anticonvulsant medications.

- Some blood pressure lowering medications.

- Some immunosuppressive medications.

What are the side effects of Botox injections for gummy smile?

 

The side effects of Botox injections include common side effects associated with injection techniques in general, including:

- Redness.

- Swelling.

- Bruising and pain at the injection site.

In general, the risks of Botox injections are very minor if the injection is performed correctly by a suitably qualified practitioner.

The patient may experience some of the following side effects after the injection:

Headache and flu-like symptoms that last for 24 hours.

Stiffness in facial expressions, as the patient may find it difficult to move the muscles around the mouth if a large amount of Botox is injected, which may lead to loss of some function of the upper lips and the smile appears unnatural. However, this condition is not common, and usually disappears after the effect of Botox wears off.

Is a gummy smile a cosmetic or functional issue?

 

When discussing a gummy smile, the focus is often on the aesthetic aspect of the teeth that appear when smiling. The smile line is determined by several factors, including:

• The shape and size of the lips.

• Facial muscles.

• The structural proportions of the face.

• The shape and size of the teeth.

• The size and thickness of the gum tissue.

The latest techniques for treating a gummy smile

Is there a cure for a gummy smile?

 

There are many options available to treat a gummy smile and achieve an ideal smile, as these options include surgical treatment or injections, as we will explain in the next section. It is not possible to determine a single treatment that fits all cases, as the choice of treatment method depends primarily on the reason behind the appearance of the gummy smile.

Treatment of a gummy smile resulting from the size of the teeth:

. **Covering the teeth with crowns or cosmetic veneers (veneers)** This method is purely cosmetic and moderately expensive. These solutions are suitable for cases of gummy smile resulting from small teeth due to genetic factors or tooth erosion. This method improves the appearance of the teeth and balances the proportion between the size of the teeth and the gum tissue.

. **Crown lengthening** This solution refers to the surgical intervention to remove some excess gum tissue and reshape the line between the gums and the teeth, allowing a larger portion of the teeth hidden under the gums to be revealed.

The doctor may simply remove the excess gum, or it may require removing a portion of the excess bone, which is known as the crown lengthening procedure.

**Steps to remove excess gum tissue to lengthen crowns (Gingivectomy)** This procedure is performed under local anesthesia to ensure that you do not feel any pain while removing the excess tissue.

The dentist specializing in periodontal diseases will use a scalpel to shape the gums and redefine their borders, which helps to reveal more of the tooth surface.

Sometimes it may take more than one visit to achieve the desired results.

You may experience slight bleeding in the gums for a few days after the surgery.

Lasers can also be used as an alternative to scalpel to remove excess gum tissue, which helps reduce bleeding and speed up the recovery period after the procedure.

. Treating protruding teeth using braces or surgery A gummy smile can sometimes be caused by excessive downward growth of teeth, and this condition can be treated by:

- Using an orthodontic device to restore them to their normal position, and improve the way the upper and lower teeth bite together.

This can be achieved through traditional metal braces, clear braces, or a combination of metal braces and temporary fixation devices (TADS).

- Resorting to surgical intervention to adjust the position of the teeth, which is an option that requires a higher cost in terms of financial and time.

The dentist makes the appropriate decision based on several factors, including the patient's desire and psychological and financial readiness, in addition to his health condition and whether it requires removing part of the jaw bone or only the teeth.

Treatment of gummy smile resulting from the length and movement of the lips Regarding the treatment of gummy smile resulting from hyperactivity of the muscles responsible for the movement of the upper lip, there are three main suggestions:

**Botox injections** The uses of Botox go beyond treating facial wrinkles, as its scope of use extends to include multiple medical fields, including the treatment of gummy smile.

The idea of ​​treatment is based on affecting the muscles involved, which leads to temporary paralysis in them, thus reducing excessive movement.

Botox treatment requires repeating sessions every 6 months to a year.

It is essential to choose an experienced doctor when performing this treatment, as injecting large quantities may lead to adverse results and exacerbate the problem.

Hyaluronic acid injections The use of hyaluronic acid as a filler is an alternative to surgery, as it is characterized by its low cost compared to surgical operations.

The effect of the filler lasts for up to 8 months, as it contributes to reducing the movement of the upper lip muscles.

However, some rare side effects may occur as a result of using fillers, such as:

- Effect on the blood vessels that feed the lips.

- The appearance of lumps or swelling in the lips as a response of the immune system to hyaluronic acid.

**Upper lip repositioning surgery** The doctor may recommend this surgery as a permanent solution to treat gummy smile resulting from hypermobility of the upper lip in most cases.

This surgery involves removing part of the connective tissue in the upper lip. This intervention will help reduce the activity of the lip-lifting muscles located near the lips and nose, preventing the upper lip from rising above the level of the teeth.

**Upper lip repositioning surgery steps** This surgery is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring that you do not feel any pain while removing excess tissue.

The doctor will remove part of the connective tissue from the upper lip by making two incisions under the lips.

After that, theA periodontist will stitch these incisions.

This surgery usually takes between 45 minutes to an hour, while the patient needs a full week to recover.

The doctor will recommend taking some antibiotics and painkillers to facilitate the recovery period.

Recovery usually takes about a week.

**Exercises to get rid of a gummy smile**

Lip exercises help strengthen the muscles surrounding your mouth. As these muscles are strengthened, the appearance of a gummy smile can be reduced.

Experts suggest that doing these exercises once or twice a day can lead to a noticeable improvement in the appearance of a gummy smile.

Repeat the following exercises regularly to strengthen the lip muscles and control the appearance of a gummy smile:

. Massage the sides of your nose toward the corners of your mouth using your index finger for 30 seconds. This exercise helps correct the position of the upper lip muscles if they are excessively raised.

. Open your mouth, then press your upper lips with your hands for 10 seconds. This exercise helps the lip muscles cover more of the gums.

. Smile, then close your mouth while continuing to smile, then open your mouth slightly so that your smile covers your gums, and hold for a minute in this position. If your smile does not cover your gums, you can press them with your fingers to make sure your lips cover your gums.

. Suck your cheeks in so that your mouth looks like a fish's mouth and hold this position for 30 seconds. This exercise helps tighten the muscles around your cheeks and control your smile.

**Protecting from a gummy smile: Proactive prevention**

Some smart habits can be followed to reduce the appearance of a gummy smile:

. **Regular care**: Visiting the dentist regularly helps in early detection of any problems, which contributes to avoiding the appearance of a gummy smile.

. **Ideal dental cleaning routine**: Adhering to an effective dental cleaning routine plays an important role in preventing gum infections and related complications.

**Early orthodontic examination**: Starting an early assessment of tooth development helps identify potential problems, which facilitates the development of appropriate treatment plans.