When you smile, how much gum do you see? Too much? Gummy smiles plague over 25% of the population. So don’t worry, you’re not on your own. But what causes this excessive gumminess and, more importantly, what can be done about it?
Let’s start by taking a look at what exactly a gummy smile is. Put simply, it is when you see a disproportionate amount of gum above your top row of teeth when you smile. It’s all about perception and how you feel about your own reflection, but typically, anything more than 2mm of exposed gum is classed as ‘gummy’.
Usually, the problem is deemed relatively mild if the amount of gum visible is under 4mm. 4-6mm is moderate, whilst anything over 6mm of gum on display is regarded as severe.
CONTACT USCauses of a gummy smile
The common causes of a gummy smile – or excessive gingival display to use its formal title – include:
- The size and shape of teeth
- A short or overactive upper lip muscle that lifts the lip too high when smiling
- Abnormal or partial dental eruption – this leaves teeth covered by gum tissue, making them appear shorter than they really are
- Gingival hypertrophy – gums that are overly long or enlarged
- Excessive wear and tear of the teeth, tipping the aesthetic balance of teeth to gum ratio
Can I fix my gummy smile?
A gummy smile shouldn’t cause any pain or discomfort but that doesn’t stop it being a problem for those who suffer from one. Our smile is a huge part of who we are – it affects our mood, how we communicate with people and our self-confidence. So it’s important to feel good about it.
But can you do anything to improve a gummy smile? Yes, absolutely! Here at Harley Street Smile Clinic, smiles are our speciality and we can help you to solve your gummy problems with our hugely popular gummy smile makeover.
What is a gummy smile makeover?
Our industry-leading gummy smile makeover lifts your gum line, reshapes and even whitens your teeth. And all in a single appointment of just 90 minutes – impressive hey!
The treatment starts with our expert gum sculpting technicians using a soft tissue laser to remove excess gum tissue. This leaves teeth looking longer and balances out your smile, reducing the amount of gum on show.
As part of the makeover, teeth are also delicately contoured, reshaping the edges and outside surfaces to enhance their appearance. And the finishing touch? You will receive a home whitening system to guarantee you’re left with a beautifully bright smile you just can’t wait to show off.
Transform your gummy smile today
Fed up of seeing too much gum and want to find out more about how we can help? Why not request a free computer simulation to get a real feel for just how big an impact our gum contouring could have on your image? Send a photo of your smile to [email protected], along with any questions you have, and we will get back to you. Alternatively, you can call us on 020 7971 1909.
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