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This time, we look at how to fix a gummy smile with braces in the Bracesetters blog. Many people think their gums show too much when they smile. But what is a gummy smile, and do you need to do something about it? Is it merely a cosmetic concern, or can it affect health? Let’s look closer.
What is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile is subjective since people have different perceptions of it. Generally, if three or four millimetres of gum tissue is exposed while smiling, it is considered a gummy smile.
Again, it’s subjective, and what one person considers attractive is not the same for another. Opinions about what makes a smile attractive vary cross-culturally across time and among different age groups. Thus, it’s all in the eye of the beholder.
Such smiles may affect around 14 percent of women and 7 percent of men. Today, having a smile that reveals the gums can lead to feeling like you have to hide it. If so, orthodontic treatment can help you feel confident and proud of your smile.
An orthodontist is a smile specialist who understands the complex relationship and ideal proportions of the jaw and teeth. So, if you are concerned about how your smile looks, reach out for a free consultation.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
Before we treat a gummy smile, we need to identify the cause, which varies by individual.
For example, a gummy smile can be caused by:
- Inherited traits related to how gums and teeth are proportioned
- Lip proportion and how lips move when you smile
- Jaw growth (maxillary excess) and malocclusions (misalignments)
- Medications and health conditions
Thus, the proper treatment will need to address which of these underlying causes is present.
Sometimes, an overgrowth of gum tissue called gingival hyperplasia can result from medications or poor oral hygiene. Then, treating the condition can help you avoid periodontal (gum) disease. If so, surgery or gum contouring can help.
Likewise, those with a short or hyperactive upper lip could consider lip repositioning surgery.
For many people, braces and other orthodontic treatments can “fix” a gummy smile without expensive surgery, botox, or risky hyaluronic acid lip treatment.
How to Fix a Gummy Smile with Braces
If your smile is misaligned, then getting started with braces can help. Braces and Invisalign bring teeth and jaws back into their ideal alignment. In the process, it can reduce how much of your gum line is visible when you smile.
Bracesetters Orthodontics also provides a full range of orthodontic appliances to help create the ideal proportions for the jawline. For example, appliances such as a Temporary Anchorage Device (TADs), a Herbst Appliance, or Forsus can help without resorting to orthognathic surgery.
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Custom Braces Treatment
Dr. Michael Skrobola, Dr. Mike Skrobola III, and Dr. Jonathan Schlosser will work with you to design the perfect custom treatment. At your consultation, they will discuss how treatment can help create a more aesthetically appealing smile.
At Bracesetters, treatment is affordable in Middletown, and we will assist you in maximizing your dental insurance benefits whenever possible.
With a free consultation, you can learn more about how to fix a gummy smile with braces. Today, you can get started from home with a free virtual consultation. To begin, click the pop-up screen that reads, “Start your virtual appointment!” After submitting some smile selfies, our award-winning board-certified orthodontists will respond with an assessment.
Also, you can book a complimentary consultation and discuss how treatment could fix a gummy smile. By aligning the teeth and jaws, braces can significantly improve oral health. And you’ll be proud to show your smile to the world, which can lead to more confidence and self-esteem.
We hope this information on “How to fix a gummy smile with braces” is helpful.
Have questions? Please, call us at (845) 342-1300 or send us an email.
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