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A great smile is more than just straight teeth—it’s all about balance. From the width of your smile to the shape of your teeth, every little detail of your smile plays a role in its overall harmony. When considerable gum tissue is visible, it can create what is commonly called a gummy smile.
Every smile is beautiful, but when gum tissue overshadows the teeth, it can make some individuals feel self-conscious about their appearance. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. Understanding the causes and options for how to fix a gummy smile can offer insight and a clear path to a bright, balanced smile.
What Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile happens when more gum tissue than usual shows above the upper teeth when smiling. Because most smiles reveal just a small amount of the gums, having that extra gum tissue can make some people feel like their smile looks unbalanced. A gummy smile can occur due to:
- Upper jaw growth that pushes the gums downward
- An active upper lip that lifts high when smiling
- Short upper teeth
Most of the time, a gummy smile comes down to genetics, which determines the structure of the jaw, teeth, and lips. A gummy smile is not usually the result of poor dental habits—it’s usually completely natural (and normal)!
Traditional vs. Modern Gummy Smile Treatments
In the past, the only form of gummy smile correction was through invasive surgery, which would actually trim and reposition the upper jaw to reduce gum exposure. While it was effective, this surgery was a major procedure with a long recovery time. Thankfully, modern dental techniques offer less invasive and highly effective solutions.
Today, braces combined with temporary anchorage devices (TADs) offer a better approach to gummy smile treatment—no surgery required.
How To Fix a Gummy Smile Without Surgery
One of the most effective methods for fixing a gummy smile involves using small mini-implants to gradually shift the upper teeth. The result is minimized appearance of gum tissue. Here’s how the process of using TADs works step-by-step:
- Placing Braces – First, braces are applied to align and stabilize the teeth.
- Placing TADs – Between two to four TADs are inserted depending on the person:
- If gumminess is only in the front, two TADs are placed there.
- If gumminess is in the back, two TADs are placed there.
- If gumminess is all over, four TADs are used: two in the front and two in the back.
- Attaching Threads or Chains – These are attached from the TADs to the braces to gently pull the teeth upward.
- Monthly Adjustments – Every four weeks, patients return to check their progress and make any adjustments.
- Gum Contouring – Also known as gingivectomy, excess gum tissue can be safely trimmed as the teeth shift.
- Bands and Final Touches – Some patients receive a frenectomy to clip the upper muscle attachment so the lip doesn’t move too high when smiling, while rubber bands can be used to align the bottom teeth with the new upper position.
Gummy smile treatment usually takes four to eight months, depending on the individual. The total duration depends on the level of gum visibility, the number of TADs used, and how well the teeth respond to the treatment.
Reasons Patients Seek Gummy Smile Treatment
There are many reasons a patient may ask their orthodontist about how to fix a gummy smile. Deciding to seek treatment is ultimately a personal choice. However, there are also functional and dental health reasons people might pursue gummy smile treatment.
1. Aesthetics
A balanced smile, where teeth, lips, and gums have visual harmony, can boost self-confidence and make people feel more comfortable in their own skin. That said, there is no universal standard for the “perfect” smile. Everyone is beautiful! The goal of treatment is usually to help people achieve a look that feels more aligned with their preferences.
2. Bite Misalignment
When a larger percentage of gum tissue is visible, it could be due to imbalanced jaw positioning, or malocclusion. Gum modifications can be part of a larger orthodontic plan to improve both the appearance and function of the bite.
3. Gum Overgrowth
Some people naturally have excessive gum tissue that can make it harder to clear plaque away to keep the teeth and gums clean. In this case, gummy smile treatment can be a preventive measure to make dental hygiene an easier task and reduce the risk of gum disease.
4. Tooth Eruption Issues
If teeth don’t fully emerge from the gums, they can look shorter than they are. Treatment can help reposition the teeth or offer a more proportional look by exposing more tooth enamel that was previously obscured by gum tissue.
Before & After Gummy Smile Treatment
The transformation in a gummy smile before and after treatment can be pretty significant. Even small adjustments can make a major difference. Patients often feel more confident with a smile that looks balanced and uniquely theirs.
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Check out more before and after smile transformations here!
Understanding Who Is a Good Candidate for Gummy Smile Treatment
Treatment for a gummy smile is usually about personal choice rather than medical necessity. While not usually required, the following patients can be ideal candidates:
- Those who have normal or slightly misaligned teeth
- Individuals looking for non-surgical options to balance their smile
- People who want to minimize the appearance of gum tissue when smiling
If you’re considering your choices, consulting with your orthodontist can help you determine the best approach for you.
How to Fix a Gummy Smile for Good with Expert Care
If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about your smile because of excess gum tissue, you have options! Learning how to fix a gummy smile is only the first step. With today’s advanced orthodontic treatments, you don’t need surgery for a more balanced smile.
At Peterson Family Orthodontics, we specialize in non-invasive gummy smile treatment in the Queen Creek and San Tan Valley area using braces and TADs. Ready to love your smile? Schedule a consultation today!