Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity. Options include:
- Gum contouring (crown lengthening) - Laser or surgical removal of excess gum tissue. Permanent results.
- Gum contouring with veneers - Combining gum tissue removal with porcelain veneers for tooth size/shape improvement.
- Lip repositioning - Surgery to limit lip elevation when smiling.
- Botulinum toxin injections - Temporary muscle relaxation (3-6 months). Non-surgical option.
- Orthodontics - Tooth repositioning with braces or aligners. Limited effectiveness as standalone treatment for gummy smile.
- Jaw surgery - For severe skeletal cases only.
Assessment determines which approach is appropriate for your specific case.
Yes, excessive gingival display (gummy smile) can often be improved with appropriate treatment, though the approach depends on what's causing it.
Consultation with a dental professional provides personalised assessment and treatment recommendations for your specific case.
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure, so yes, it involves discomfort.
During surgery: Local anaesthetic numbs the area completely - you won't feel pain during the procedure, though you'll feel pressure.
After surgery: Once anaesthetic wears off, expect:
- Moderate soreness and throbbing for first 2-3 days
- Swelling of gums (and possibly face) for up to a week
- Difficulty eating - soft foods needed for several days
- Some minor bleeding or oozing initially
- Complete healing takes several weeks
Pain management: Over-the-counter pain medication usually sufficient, prescription medication available if needed. Ice packs help with swelling.
Activity modifications: Soft food diet for 3-7 days, gentle oral hygiene, may need 1-3 days off work.
Discomfort level varies between patients, and laser procedures typically involve less bleeding than traditional scalpel surgery, though both require healing time.
Gummy smile correction (excessive gingival display treatment) involves various procedures depending on the cause:
Crown lengthening (gum contouring):
- Surgical removal of excess gum tissue and sometimes bone
- Performed under local anaesthetic
- Uses scalpel or laser to reshape gum line
- Addresses cases where gum tissue covers too much of the tooth crowns
Other treatments for different causes:
- Lip repositioning surgery (for hyperactive lip)
- Botulinum toxin (for hyperactive lip, temporary)
- Jaw surgery (for skeletal causes)
The procedure is cosmetic, based on personal preference for showing less gum tissue when smiling.
