Invisalign before gum reduction? (Photo)

Question

I have a gummy smile and would like to get Invisalign for my top and bottom teeth. I'm just not sure which procedure to have first? Should I follow up with a dental provider to have a gum reduction before I get Invisalign or does the order of procedures not matter? I also had a an Invisalign consultation a few years ago and was told I was a good candidate. I just never followed through because of the costs.

Shabri Chandarana, BDS, MFDS, RCPS · Answer

Such a great question! I would suggest if you are considering Invisalign regardless to correct the alignment of your teeth and correct the crowding of your bottom teeth, to do this first. You may find the lip positions change slightly with the new position of your teeth and so might the gum height of your upper teeth. Maybe not much but maybe enough to be happy with. If you think you still have a gummy smile, then you may consider Botox to relax the upper lip muscle which will reduce the appearance of a gummy smile, or gum reduction (crown lengthening) once the teeth are in their new position. This way you amount of botox or gum reduction can be more accurate for a much better aesthetic outcome.

Ivan A. Valcarenghi, DDS · Answer

Do the aligners first, then your cosmetic dentist can make the appropriate gum recontouring. Gums will change sometimes with orthodontic alignment, so do these first. SureSmile is better, IMHO, than Invisalign, which is expensive and always requires endless refinement. I have seen some doctors, who have experience in bracket/wire orthodontics, and aligners that have done a fantastic job, but not the norm. I personally advise patients that traditional orthodontics has much more control, and more perfect results, and you don't have to think about them, or changing the aligners, endless refinements, and they just work. My orthodontist will do rapid, shortened period cases for my patients that only require a little orthodontic correction. Find a dentist with a relationship like this with an orthodontist, you will be happier in the end than with aligners. That's my experience. Others might disagree. Your choice. Best, Dr. Ivan

Nirav Patel, MDS, PhD · Answer

First, go with Invisalign treatment to correct mal-aligned teeth and in your case intrusion of upper teeth. Once Invisalign treatment is over plan gum re-contouring treatment as per need for the best outcome.

Invisalign before gum reduction? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Invisalign

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Invisalign before gum reduction? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Invisalign

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.