How can I fix a crooked/lower gum and teeth line on one side of mouth? (photos)

Question

As you can see in the picture, my smile appears straight, but my teeth and gums are lower on one side than the other. What causes this and how can it be fixed?

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Sometimes there are crooked teeth, sometimes the skull/bones are no symmetrical, and sometimes it is a mixture of both.The photos appear to show straight teeth but assymetrical bone (maxilla bone of the skull).  Probably the most predictable solution is surgical, with orthodontics a likely follow up treatment.  While the word surgery can seem daunting, it is a safe and successful procedure.  Having said that, "there is no such thing as routine surgery."The right side needs to be lifted or elevated.  Braces alone can be a challenge to do this, but with newer techniques using temporary dental implants as anchors, it MIGHT be possible.Gums follow bone, so if some bone on the right side was removed/elevated, the gums will follow.  This will create much longer teeth, so they would need to be shortened.  This will likely expose enough dentin to require crowns on the lifted side, possibly even some root canals if the teeth are shortened significantly.I would seek advice from an orthodontist that has experience working with a surgeon.  This will increase the chance that ALL your options will be presented and discussed.

Ira Shapira, DDS · Answer

This is a problem that has many solutions.1.  It is possible to to prosthetics (ie crowns) and  crown lengthening.  This was the approach I used for years but would no longer be my first choice.2.  The maxilla can be surgically repositioned.  You would probably also need orthodontics.3.  I would probably suggest the DNA Appliance and Epigenetic Orthodontics (orthopedics) as the first choice as a first step.  This would also help correct the chin displacement to the left.  It would also give a more symmetrical smile in terms of width.  **There is a possibility of either a TMJoint  degeneration or hypertrophy underlying what is seen.  If there are no underlyinng issues this could correct the problem without any surgery.4.  Something I used to think was impossible was using cranil techniques to correct  a cant.  Chirodontic approach can give remarkable results.  (I would have said it was impossibel just a few years ago).  Ideally, a neuromuscular orthotic is made and then relieved on the high side concurrently with maxilla mobilization.Dr Mark Freund and I work together where he comes into my office to mobilize the maxilla with immediate occlusal adjustments to applianceI would definitely suggest you explore all possibilities and carefully chose your doctors.Ira L Shapira DDSDiplomat, American Academy of Pain ManagementDiplomate, American Board of Dental Sleep MedicineRegent and Fellow, International  College of CranioMandibular Orthopedics (ICCMO)Chair, American Alliance of TMD OrganizationsThinkBetterLife.com

How can I fix a crooked/lower gum and teeth line on one side of mouth? (photos)

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How can I fix a crooked/lower gum and teeth line on one side of mouth? (photos)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Gum Lift

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