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Gummy Smiles

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    104 SE 1st Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

    1. Dental Wellness Center
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    3. Gummy Smile

    Are Certain People More Likely To Have Gummy Smiles?

    Your genes have a lot to do with the look of your smile

    Many of the conditions that lead to a gummy smile are hereditary. If a close family member has a gummy smile, there is a much higher chance that you will as well.

    Gummy smiles also tend to be more prevalent in women than in men.

    A Gummy Smile Is More Common Among Young People

    Excessive gum tissue tends to decrease with age.

    What should I do if I think my smile is gummy?

    Your Dentist Can Assess Your Smile

    If you are concerned about how much gum tissue shows when you smile, your Fort Lauderdale dentist can perform an examination and explain your treatment options. During the appointment, he or she will assess your teeth, gums, and jaw to figure out the cause. You may also need impressions and x-rays.

    Can I Prevent My Smile From Looking Gummy?

    Most of the causes of a gummy smile are hereditary

    Unfortunately, when a gummy smile is caused by genetics, there are no reliable methods of prevention. However, by visiting a dentist on a regular basis, you can address teeth grinding and other issues that can eventually contribute to a gummy smile.

    What counts as a “gummy smile?”

    Dentists Say Showing Three Millimeters Of Gum Tissue Or Less Is Normal

    “Anything over three to four millimeters of gum showing starts to look ‘gummy.’”DR. STAN HEIFETZ ON THE IDEAL SMILE

    The Best Treatment Option For You Depends On The Cause Of Your Gummy Smile

    One of the most common treatments for patients who have a mildly gummy smile is laser gum contouring. Your dentist can use a soft-tissue laser to remove gum tissue,improving the proportions between your teeth and gums.

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    Contact a Dentist Today

    If you dislike the gummy look of your smile, a range of treatments exist to give you a more balanced, symmetrical appearance. Reach out to a dentist today to learn more about your options.

    Effects Of A Gummy Smile
    • Teeth that Look Short: If you have noticed your teeth look small or short, the problem may not be your teeth, but rather gums that sit too low.
    • Too Much of Your Gums Show when Smiling: For some people, smiling reveals a large portion of their gums, drawing attention away from otherwise healthy, beautiful teeth.
    A Range Of Factors Can Result In A Gummy Smile
    • Too Much Gum Tissue: Some of us simply have more gum tissue than others. In some cases, teeth appear short because they did not fully erupt from the gums and are still partially covered by gum tissue. Gums can also grow over teeth due to a condition called gingival hypertrophy.
    • Worn or Short Teeth: Your teeth may appear small in comparison with your gums if they have been worn down or are naturally shorter than average.
    • A Short or Hyperactive Upper Lip: If your upper lip is too short, it can reveal more of your gums when you smile. In other cases, the upper lip is a normal length, but lifts too high when smiling.
    What Are My Other Treatment Options?

    A Wide Variety of Solutions

    • Lip Repositioning Surgery: When combined with orthodontic treatment, lip repositioning can be a good alternative to jaw surgery.
    • Orthodontics: If your gummy smile is due to mild issues with your jaws or bite, an orthodontic treatment can shift the position of your teeth to reduce the amount of gum tissue that shows when you smile.
    • Porcelain Veneers or Crowns: Placing a restoration, such as a veneer or crown, can make worn or short teeth appear longer and balance the proportions of your smile.
    • Corrective Jaw Surgery: For cases of moderate to severe jaw protrusion, you may need orthognathic surgery combined with orthodontics.
    • BOTOX Cosmetic: Dentists can now use BOTOX Cosmetic to limit the movement of your upper lip when you smile. While temporary, it can provide beautiful results at an affordable price.

    Our Customer Reviews

    "Best dentist and best dental hygienist I have ever worked with in my entire life! They are professional, patient, and for the first time in years I am comfortable going back to the dentist. Outstanding experience and I highly recommend their office to everyone!"

    Daniel Rosenburg