Can a low smile be made into a high smile?

Question

Usually when I smile, only about half of my incisors show beneath my lip, though sometimes a little more if I force it (like in this photo). It makes my teeth look shadowed and not stand-out (I like my teeth!) Two things I was hoping to accomplish: 1) Widen smile / narrow buccal corridors 2) Increase visible area of front teeth I understand #1 is possible. But with regards to #2, how would one go about achieving a higher smile by 2-3mm? Do I talk to my ortho or dentist? Is it even possible?

Michael D. Kosdon, DDS · Answer

There are many factors that influence how much teeth you show when you smile These include the size and length of your teeth, the alignment of your teeth and jaws, as well the elasticity of your upper lip. The natural aging process can also impact ones smile as our teeth wear and get smaller, and our facial muscles don't pull as much.  
Once you determine why you have a low smile, then you can come up with a plan to transform your smile into one in which you show more teeth. 
If you're young and your teeth just grew in too small for your lips and face, then porcelain veneers would be a great option. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are permanently bonded to the front of teeth. In your case, we would use the veneers to length you teeth as well as to buildout the buccal corridors, giving you a wider smile. 
If you have normal size teeth, but your lips cover them when you smile, then you may be a candidate for a Lip Lift. This procedure, performed by a plastic surgeon, shortens the distance between your nose and lip which results in a bigger and wider smile. Many times this procedure can fix your smile with out the need for veneers.
Some patients can benefit from both a Lip Lift as well as porcelain veneers. To see which procedure would help you the most, consult with an expert cosmetic dentist who has helped patients with similar smiles as yours. Make sure you look at pictures of their work and read reviews on what others are saying!

Joy V. Poskozim, DDS · Answer

Please repeat your question with a photo -- we cannot see it -- so we can give you a better, more personal answer.

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:Unfortunately without a photo it is difficult to give you accurate advice.  Generally you can widen the smile and make the teeth longer with veneers.  It’s best for you to conult with a experienced cosmetic dentist.Best,Dr. Maddahi

Thomas Connelly, DDS - Account Suspended · Answer

It is difficult to evaluate your case with no photos. I would recommend a consultation with an experienced cosmetic dentist to evaluate your teeth and smile. Veneers are a great option to increase size of teeth if necessary and to create harmony and symmetry for your smile.

Can a low smile be made into a high smile?

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Answer: Can a low smile be made into a high smile?

Answer: Can a low smile be made into a high smile?

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Everything you need to know about Smile Makeover

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Can a low smile be made into a high smile?

Answers (4)

Answer: Can a low smile be made into a high smile?

Answer: Can a low smile be made into a high smile?

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Everything you need to know about Smile Makeover

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