Gummy smile is a condition when excess amounts of gums are at display upon full smile. Individuals with “altered passive eruption” often presents with gummy smile with teeth being shorter than usual.
In addition, gummy smile can also be due to the size of the jaw bone holding the teeth, overactive lips, certain underlying health conditions, and medications that lead to excess gum growth. Depending on the cause(s), gummy smile can be treated with one or more of the following:
Note excessive gum display on smiling, square shaped teeth and uneven gum heights. Crown lengthening on upper incisors was performed. The outcome resulted in balanced gum heights, rectangular type teeth and complete symmetry of gum margins.
Upper central incisors looked short and to far down due to uneven gingival heights. Gum esthetic surgery was performed on the upper central incisors and veneers were placed on all upper incisors.
Patient presented with an uneven smile due to different sized teeth. Gum recontouring was performed and new veneers were placed on all upper six front teeth.
During orthodontic treatment gums can become swollen. Teeth are aligned but look short due to extra gum covering them. Gingivectomy was performed in one visit with minimal discomfort.
Swollen gums can grow over the braces preventing good oral higiene that can lead to decalification and cavities. Gingivectomy was done during orthodontic treatment to prevent tooth damage and to restore the health of the mouth.
