THE GUMMY SMILE

A gum lift is recommended for the so called “gummy smile” when excessive gum is displayed above the teeth during smiling. There are several causes for this: abnormal growth and development of the jaw and teeth, excessive gum tissue, and a hyper-mobile upper lip. The gum lift procedure involves gum and/or bone removal around the front teeth making them longer. This can have a dramatic effect in turning a “gummy” short tooth smile into a much prettier smile. A gum lift can be done with or without other tooth enhancements, such as porcelain veneers. If a gum lift is recommended after a smile design, it is best that other cosmetic treatments not be completed without this procedure, or the end result will be compromised. It is not unusual for the treatment area to be sensitive for about one week. Other alternatives to the gum lift are orthodontics or BOTOX^® injections for the hyper-upper lift.