I just recently had jaw surgery to correct my overbite. I assumed that this procedure would reduce my gummy smile. But that didn't end up happening. I want to get rid of the gumminess but don't want to go through another surgical procedure and I also don't want to pay too much for this correction.
What are my options at this point? And could veneers be a possible option for me. Should I talk to my Orthodontist surgeon or my orthodontist about it?
Answer: Gummy smiles usually need surgery of some kind Depending on how severe the gummy smile is, surgery may be the only option. If that was a desire from the first surgery, it should have been clearly stated, as surgery for an overbite normally has zero effect on a gummy smile. It is possible that the surgeon's only goal was the overbite. If the gummy smile is extreme, Botox will have very little effect. SOME, but perhaps not as much as desired. Lip tacking or lip lengthening surgeries are moderately successful, as quite often the results are not as dramatic as hoped. Soft tissue solutions for hard tissue problems are known for being unpredictable. If the roots of the teeth are long enough, a crown lengthening procedure may be an option, but that is still a surgery. This is where bone around the teeth is removed, perhaps 2 mm, and when the tissue heals more teeth are exposed. This WILL make the teeth look longer, so if they are already the right size, then another surgery should be considered (like having bone above the teeth removed, like a Lefort Osteotomy). I suggest a consultation with a few surgeons and periodontists to see what would work best for you. If it is minor, laser gingivectomy might be enough.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
Answer: Gummy smiles usually need surgery of some kind Depending on how severe the gummy smile is, surgery may be the only option. If that was a desire from the first surgery, it should have been clearly stated, as surgery for an overbite normally has zero effect on a gummy smile. It is possible that the surgeon's only goal was the overbite. If the gummy smile is extreme, Botox will have very little effect. SOME, but perhaps not as much as desired. Lip tacking or lip lengthening surgeries are moderately successful, as quite often the results are not as dramatic as hoped. Soft tissue solutions for hard tissue problems are known for being unpredictable. If the roots of the teeth are long enough, a crown lengthening procedure may be an option, but that is still a surgery. This is where bone around the teeth is removed, perhaps 2 mm, and when the tissue heals more teeth are exposed. This WILL make the teeth look longer, so if they are already the right size, then another surgery should be considered (like having bone above the teeth removed, like a Lefort Osteotomy). I suggest a consultation with a few surgeons and periodontists to see what would work best for you. If it is minor, laser gingivectomy might be enough.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
December 31, 2016
Answer: Correcting excessive gingival display Difficult to do without surgery. Botox can work but lots of people end up looking distorted but it only lasts 10-12 weeks and gets very expensive over timeLaser surgery is ok for minor exposure but if major you can do a reverse vestibuloplasty. These are minor surgeries compared to jaw surgery.Since you don't want surgery widening the arch with a DNA Appliance can usually correct the problem but this is not inexpensive. The inexpensive alternative don't smile to large. I have patients who practicew how they smile to control gummy exposure. Not the best solution but inexpensive and no surgeryIra L Shapira DDS, D,ABDSM, D,AAPM, FICCMO
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
December 31, 2016
Answer: Correcting excessive gingival display Difficult to do without surgery. Botox can work but lots of people end up looking distorted but it only lasts 10-12 weeks and gets very expensive over timeLaser surgery is ok for minor exposure but if major you can do a reverse vestibuloplasty. These are minor surgeries compared to jaw surgery.Since you don't want surgery widening the arch with a DNA Appliance can usually correct the problem but this is not inexpensive. The inexpensive alternative don't smile to large. I have patients who practicew how they smile to control gummy exposure. Not the best solution but inexpensive and no surgeryIra L Shapira DDS, D,ABDSM, D,AAPM, FICCMO
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
September 26, 2014
Answer: How To Correct My "Gummy" Smile
The best way to reduce a gummy smile would be with laser removal of the excess gum tissue. In addition, you could have some Botox placed under the nose around the muscles that raise the upper lip to help keep your lip from raising as far when you smile. Good luck.
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September 26, 2014
Answer: How To Correct My "Gummy" Smile
The best way to reduce a gummy smile would be with laser removal of the excess gum tissue. In addition, you could have some Botox placed under the nose around the muscles that raise the upper lip to help keep your lip from raising as far when you smile. Good luck.
Helpful
December 31, 2016
Answer: Vertical Maxillary Excess can be corrected long term Hi there- The problem you describe, in which you show too much gum when smiling, is called vertical maxillary excess, and can be effectively corrected for a beautiful long term result. I would talk to my surgeon about it if I were you. The problem with non-surgical options like Botox for problems in the lower face is that the result (because it depends on muscular paralysis) is often strange looking or unnatural. Better to have a lovely smile. Talk to your surgeon.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
December 31, 2016
Answer: Vertical Maxillary Excess can be corrected long term Hi there- The problem you describe, in which you show too much gum when smiling, is called vertical maxillary excess, and can be effectively corrected for a beautiful long term result. I would talk to my surgeon about it if I were you. The problem with non-surgical options like Botox for problems in the lower face is that the result (because it depends on muscular paralysis) is often strange looking or unnatural. Better to have a lovely smile. Talk to your surgeon.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Answer: Can You Reduce a Gummy Smile Without Doing a Surgical Procedure? Thank you for your question.First thing which comes to mind, pictures of your smile would be very helpful. Easiest treatment without surgery is Botox injections. Those must be repeated every 3 months though to be successful.Veneers could be an option depending on several factors including a size of your present teeth, and condition of the gums. Your general/cosmetic dentist should determine if veneers is a viable option.
Helpful
Answer: Can You Reduce a Gummy Smile Without Doing a Surgical Procedure? Thank you for your question.First thing which comes to mind, pictures of your smile would be very helpful. Easiest treatment without surgery is Botox injections. Those must be repeated every 3 months though to be successful.Veneers could be an option depending on several factors including a size of your present teeth, and condition of the gums. Your general/cosmetic dentist should determine if veneers is a viable option.
Helpful