A gummy smile is a smile which shows excessive gum tissue covering the teeth. For some people, a gummy smile causes them to feel self-conscious or worried about smiling around others. A gummy smile can be caused by multiple things such as teeth that are too long, a lip that is too short or lifts up to high when smiling and gums that are enlarged or too long. For those that would like to improve the look of their gums, there are a few available options to do just that. Depending on the circumstances, a gingivoplasty, osteoplasty, or gum festooning are viable options for those looking to improve the appearance of their gums.
Gingivoplasty
A gingivoplasty is an operation that reshapes the gums. Gingivoplasty is a standard operation to fix gums that were deformed because of a disease or trauma. While healthy gums are smooth, deformed ones may contain craters, clefts, or have areas with disproportionate amounts of growth. This procedure involves the use of a knife or laser to reshape the problem areas thereby improving the patient’s health and smile.
Osteoplasty
An osteoplasty is an operation in which the bone structure that supports the gums is reshaped. By removing different parts of the bone, a new framework for the gums is designed. The new gums that will grow over the area that was operated on and reshaped will be smoother and better looking than the previous ones.
Gum Festooning
Gum festooning is a procedure in which the gums covering up the patient’s teeth are removed. Gum festooning is also done on patients whose gums are enlarged due to certain illnesses such as cancer or high blood pressure. Gum festooning reshapes the gums into the way that they should be.
Which Procedure Is Right For You?
Depending on the state of your gums, you may only need one procedure or these procedures may be used together to target problem areas in different ways. Visit Your Dental Office today to discuss the best treatment option for your case, contact us today to book an appointment.