A gum lift procedure reshapes your gum line to show off your teeth, reducing the amount of visible gum tissue and giving you a more beautiful smile. Cosmetic dentists and periodontists (gum specialists) perform the procedure, which is also known as laser gum contouring, crown lengthening, or a gingivectomy.Â
People have a gummy smile for a variety of reasons. It may be because your gums didn’t recede after your adult teeth grew in or because you have a short upper lip, which reveals more gum tissue.Â
You may consider crown lengthening if your gums cover enough of your teeth to make them look disproportionately small for your face. The procedure can also even out an uneven gum line.
Excess gum tissue can also trap bacteria and plaque, which may increase your risk of gum disease. Eliminating it can make it easier to keep your gums and teeth clean, though you'll need to be treated for any existing periodontal disease and have a clean bill of oral health before having a gum lift procedure.
Gum reshaping can enhance the results of other cosmetic dental procedures, such as dental crowns or porcelain veneers, to give you a smile makeover. “Your veneers will not look their best if your gum tissue isn’t taken into consideration. Gum contouring can enhance other cosmetic procedures, completing your desired look,” says Dr. Andy Shieh, a dentist in Warrendale, Pennsylvania.Â
Many laser gum reductions concentrate on the “smile zone,” the front teeth that are most visible. Your dentist will recommend which teeth could benefit most from gum contouring, so you end up with the best results possible.Â
RealSelf Tip: In addition to a gum recontouring, you can have Botox injections to correct a gummy smile. The Botox is placed under the nose and around the muscles that raise the upper lip, to help keep your lip from rising as far when you smile.
