Gummy Smile

A "gummy smile," or excessive gingival display, is an aesthetic characteristic where a significant portion of the gums above the upper teeth is visible when a person smiles. What constitutes "excessive" can be subjective, but it's generally when the gum tissue is more prominent than desired, drawing attention away from the teeth themselves.

Several factors, alone or in combination, can contribute to the appearance of a "gummy smile":

• Excessive Upper Lip Elevation: Some individuals naturally have stronger or more active muscles that lift the upper lip higher when smiling, revealing more gum tissue.
• Small or Short Upper Lip: A naturally shorter upper lip can expose more gum even with normal lip movement.
• Altered Passive Eruption of Teeth: Sometimes, the gums haven't receded properly after tooth eruption, leaving more gum tissue covering the teeth than ideal. This can make teeth appear shorter than they actually are.
• Vertical Maxillary Excess: In some cases, the upper jaw bone (maxilla) itself might be longer than average, leading to a higher gum line.
• Small Teeth: Teeth that are naturally small or worn down can make the gums appear more prominent in comparison.
• Gingival Hypertrophy: This refers to an overgrowth of gum tissue, which can be caused by certain medications, inflammation, or genetic factors.

f a "gummy smile" is a concern for you, it's important to remember that there are various approaches that can be considered to improve the balance between your teeth, gums, and lips. The most suitable approach will always depend on the specific underlying cause(s) of your "gummy smile."

Options often focus on:

• Modifying Lip Movement: Approaches that can help reduce the amount the upper lip elevates during smiling.
• Reshaping Gum Tissue: Techniques that can subtly alter the gum line to expose more of the tooth surface.
• Addressing Tooth Proportions: Strategies to make teeth appear more proportionate if they are short.
• Addressing Underlying Bone Structure: In some cases, if the issue is related to the jaw bone, more significant interventions might be discussed.

It is crucial to have a thorough assessment by a qualified medical or dental professional to accurately diagnose the specific factors contributing to your "gummy smile" and to discuss the most appropriate pathway forward for you.

At Advanced Cosmetic Medicine, we understand the importance of a confident smile. If you're concerned about a "gummy smile," we invite you to schedule a consultation with our experienced medical professionals.

During your personalized consultation, we will:

• Perform a detailed assessment of your facial anatomy, smile dynamics, and the specific characteristics contributing to your "gummy smile."
• Discuss your aesthetic goals and what you hope to achieve.
• Explain potential approaches that may be suitable for your unique situation (without directly advertising specific regulated products, in compliance with TGA guidelines).
• Provide comprehensive information on what to expect, potential benefits, and any considerations.
• Develop a tailored plan focusing on natural-looking and harmonious results for your smile.

Understanding the causes of your "gummy smile" is the first step towards a smile you feel great about. Contact Advanced Cosmetic Medicine in Adelaide today to arrange your consultation.