Do your gums show too much when you smile? Learn what causes a gummy smile and how crown lengthening and gum contouring create a balanced smile.
A gummy smile is when a lot of gum shows above the upper teeth when you smile. Many people feel it makes their teeth look short. Depending on the cause, it can often be improved with a simple procedure called crown lengthening.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
- Excess gum tissue covering part of the teeth
- Teeth that look short because of how they erupted or wear
- A hyperactive upper lip that lifts higher when smiling
- Jaw growth, where the upper jaw is longer than usual
- Swollen gums from inflammation or certain medicines
What Is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening removes a small amount of gum, and sometimes reshapes the bone underneath, to expose more of the natural tooth. The teeth look longer and more proportionate, and the gumline becomes even and balanced.
Other Reasons for Crown Lengthening
It's also used when a tooth is broken or decayed near the gumline, to expose enough healthy tooth for a crown to fit securely, helping save the tooth.
What to Expect
- Careful planning of the new gumline to suit your smile and face
- A procedure under local anaesthesia, usually within an hour
- Mild soreness for a few days
- Healing over a few weeks, after which crowns or veneers can be completed if planned
Other Treatment Options
If the gummy smile is due to the lip or jaw, other options may be discussed, such as orthodontic treatment or referral for jaw correction. If gums are swollen from inflammation, treating the gum disease may be enough.
Part of a Smile Makeover
Crown lengthening is often combined with whitening, veneers or ceramic crowns for a complete smile makeover.
Related treatment: read more about Crown Lengthening in Mohali at Urja Dental Clinic.
Book a Visit at Urja Dental Clinic, Mohali
If you have any of these concerns, book a consultation at Urja Dental Clinic, S.S.S. (Bay Shop) 74, Sector 60, Phase 3B2, Mohali. We are easy to reach from Phase 3B1, Phase 5, Phase 7, Kharar and Chandigarh. Call +91 86999 69619 or +91 78890 93147, or book online.
