Treatment for Gummy Smile Plano, TX

Gummy Smile Correction in Plano, TX

About one-third of the population shows their gums above their teeth when they smile. Any irregularities at the gum line make the teeth look like they are different sizes. When people smile showing their gums, any imperfections in their smile are noticeable to others. As a result, many people just don’t show their teeth when they smile.

Studies have shown an ideal smile displays all the upper teeth but not the upper gums. Do you hesitate to smile in pictures and among friends because of your gums? Do your gums appear to protrude from your upper lip more than you believe they should? If so, you may have a gummy smile.

The medical terms are excessive gingival display, and gingival hypertrophy. A gummy smile can happen for a variety of reasons, including:

  • An abnormal eruption of teeth
  • The way that your upper jaw has grown over time
  • The muscle in your upper lip is hyperactive, which results in the lip rising higher than normal
  • An overgrowth of gum tissue
  • Short upper lip

With Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen’s expertise in dentistry, we can correct your gummy smile in no time. Get gummy smile correction from Dr. Mark Sowell and Dr. Sara Chen, and you won’t be unhappy. Your consultation is always complimentary, even if you decide not to get gummy smile treatment from us.

Correct a gummy smile in plano, texas

Treatment for Gummy Smile in Plano, TX

We can fix your gummy smile with a gum lift treatment. Typically, only periodontists perform this procedure. However, Plano area dentist Dr. Mark Sowell has been performing the procedure on his patients for over 20 years. He seamlessly integrates his vision of the final result into the smile design with the gum lift procedure.

Dr. Sara Chen is an experienced and qualified cosmetic prosthodontist and specialist. She can also perform a variety of gum treatments to drastically improve the look and function of your smile. You can trust that your gums are in good hands.

Treatment for a gummy smile used to involve cutting the excess gum tissue away using a scalpel. However, Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen can provide treatments without sharp tools by using laser dentistry. We use the WaterLase laser in reshaping procedures, and our dentists have over eight years of experience using it. Removing the excess gum tissue using dental lasers is painless.

Patients can return to work the next day with minimal visual effects besides a more attractive gum line. You can always tell Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen’s work because the results are always symmetrical and attractive. It’s just one more important detail that goes into creating great smiles. This type of gum lift is permanent.

The benefits of laser dentistry include:

  • Avoid the use of stitches
  • Highly precise at gum reshaping
  • Minimize the risks of infection
  • Minimize pain
  • Inhibit blood loss
  • Speed recovery time
  • Immediate results

Most general dentists can do gum recontouring and crown lengthening. However, gums usually grow back if the dentist makes changes greater than 1/2 a millimeter. Gum recontouring is for minor detail changes that are not usually noticeable to a patient.

Alternative Treatments

The good news is that there are many treatment options for a gummy smile. Most cosmetic dentists can help you if you are showing an excessive amount of your gum line. Other treatment options for a gummy smile may include:

  • Orthodontic treatment
  • Gum contouring surgery
  • Lip repositioning surgery
  • Botox injections
  • A combination of these methods

Before & After Gummy Smile Correction

This patient had a beautiful, natural smile, but she showed more gums than she wanted to. Dr. Sowell designed a gum lift that would reduce the amount of gum display and increase the size of teeth. He did not have to make any changes to her tooth structure.

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Gummy Smile FAQs

How long does it take to fix a gummy smile?

Fixing a gummy smile usually takes about two weeks for healing. The exact timeline depends on the treatment method chosen. For minor cases, non-invasive options like Botox may provide results in just a few days.

For more advanced cases requiring gum reshaping or surgery, the full healing process might take a few weeks. While patients may feel some soreness during this time, most discomfort fades after the initial two weeks. Your dentist or specialist will guide you on what to expect based on your treatment plan.

Does gummy smile surgery hurt?

Gummy smile surgery is often less painful than patients expect. Local anesthesia to ensures your comfort during the treatment. Afterward, gums may feel tender or sore as they heal, but this discomfort is typically mild and temporary.

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease any soreness. Most patients find that their gums feel significantly better within one to two weeks. Following post-treatment care instructions, like avoiding hard foods and keeping the area clean, can speed up recovery and reduce discomfort.

Is a gummy smile genetic?

Genetics is one of the leading causes of a gummy smile. If one or both parents have a gummy smile, their children are more likely to have the same trait. Genetic factors that contribute to a gummy smile include how the upper lip moves, the size of the teeth, or the way the jaw develops.

However, a gummy smile can also result from other causes, such as certain medications, medical conditions, or improper oral habits. A dental consultation can help identify the specific reason for your gummy smile and recommend the best solution.

Can braces or aligners fix a gummy smile?

In some cases, braces or clear aligners like Invisalign can help reduce the appearance of a gummy smile. By properly aligning the teeth and adjusting the bite, these treatments can create a more balanced look. While orthodontic treatments alone may not always resolve the issue completely, they can work well in combination with other treatments, like gum reshaping or Botox, to improve the overall appearance of your smile.

What is gum reshaping, and how does it work?

Gum reshaping, also called crown lengthening, is a procedure that removes excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth. This treatment can give your smile a more even and proportionate look. It’s often done with a laser or small surgical tools, depending on the amount of gum tissue we need to remove. Gum reshaping is a quick outpatient procedure, and most patients heal fully within a few weeks.

Are gummy smile treatments permanent?

The results of gummy smile treatments can be long-lasting, but it depends on the method used. Gum reshaping and surgery offer permanent results since they alter the gum tissue or bone structure. Botox, on the other hand, is a temporary option that lasts about three to six months, requiring touch-ups to maintain the results. Your dentist can help you choose a treatment plan that fits your needs and goals for long-term success.

If you’re exploring options for fixing a gummy smile, a consultation with our dentist is the best place to start. We have many solutions to help you achieve a more confident, balanced smile.