Have a Gummy Smile? Here’s How Your Dentist Can Help

Your teeth are perfectly healthy, straight, and white, but something still seems slightly off about your smile. You ask your friends and family if anything is wrong, and some of them reply that your smile seems a bit gummy. That essentially means that too much gum tissue and not enough tooth shows when you grin. What causes a gummy smile? And how can your cosmetic dentist in Hillsboro correct it? Keep reading to find out.

What Causes a Gummy Smile?

One of the most common reasons behind a gummy smile is when the teeth erupt through the gumline abnormally. When this occurs, even though the teeth are the proper length, they can appear too short or stubby.

Another reason involves the muscles that control your upper lip. In some people, this muscle is too hyperactive, causing the top lip to rise higher than it should. Because of this, more gum tissue is exposed when you smile.

Also, the way your upper jawbone developed could cause the appearance of a gummy smile. If, for example, there were some kind of protrusion in your upper jawbone during dental development, that could shift the shape of your gum tissue.

How Can Your Dentist Help?

Fortunately, since gummy smiles are fairly common, there are a variety of cosmetic procedures that your dentist in Hillsboro can use to correct the problem, including:

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are shells of durable dental ceramic that are placed over problem teeth. In addition to correcting flaws like chips, cracks, stains, and gaps, porcelain veneers can extend the appearance of your teeth to make them look longer. Each veneer is custom-made to blend in with your smile and appear perfectly natural.

Gum Recontouring

Using this procedure, your dentist can easily remove excess gum tissue, allowing more of your natural tooth structure to shine through when you smile.

Crown Lengthening

In addition to removing excess gum tissue, crown lengthening involves modifying the bone to adjust how much of your teeth are exposed in your grin.

If people have ever told you that you have a gummy smile, fear not. There is hope that you can be treated. Just ask your dentist today about what options they have available for you.

About the Author

Dr. Brandon Kearbey is a 2006 graduate of Loma Linda University. Since then, he has undergone multiple post-graduate courses in cosmetic dentistry, and he is also a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, as well as the American Dental Association and the Oregon Dental Association. He offers porcelain veneers, gum recontouring, and several other treatments to fix your gummy smile. If you’re interested in getting your gummy smile corrected, you can contact Dr. Kearbey on his website or call (503) 640-4262.