How to get rid of gummy smile? (Photos)

Question

I came from a small country to America at 9 and failed to get proper dental care. I have hidden my smile for about 22 years now and would like to know procedures required to get a less gummy and a better smile.

Miles Cone, DMD · Answer

You have 2 different conditions, from what I can see in these photos:  1) Vertical Maxillary Excess (VME).  Your upper jaw (i.e., maxilla) continued to grow down during your development, giving you a "gummy" appearance.  2) additionally, you possesses altered passive eruption.  When you were a child, and your permanent teeth began to erupt out of your gums (active eruption), they steadily increased in length.  The passive eruptive phase did not take place.  During this phase, the gums typically migrate away from the edge of your teeth.  The result is that you have child sized teeth and a gummy smile.  Fortunately, this is very easy to correct.  You would commonly be seen by a dental specialist, such as a periodontist, to correct both of these issues.  They can perform 2 different procedures: 1) lip-tack and 2) crown lengthening.  Each of these procedures will cost a combined total of around $2,000-$3,000 depending on where you live (about $1,500 or so for each procedure).  If you go to Cherry Hill, it will probably cost more, if you go to a smaller town, maybe not so much.  All the best of luck to you :-)
-Miles

Patric Cohen, DDS, FAGD · Answer

Laser recontouring of the gums along with Porcelain veneers should solve your issue. Talk to a few cosmetic dentists to find someone who knows what they are doing.

German Arzate, DDS - Account Suspended · Answer

there are several techniques, and you will certainly will need a combination of gum surgery , and also veneers, to improve the way your smile looks, with a complete smile makeover you will be able to change,shape size and even color,to make and improve your look.you will have a hollywood smile.

How to get rid of gummy smile? (Photos)

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How to get rid of gummy smile? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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