As you smile, do you notice that your upper teeth seem to be overshadowed by too much gum tissue? You may also notice that your top teeth look too short or disproportionate compared to the adjacent gum tissue that is shown when you smile. Your personal observations of a “gummy smile” may be an easily treatable condition that can transform your entire appearance. In fact, treating this condition can even transform the way that you feel about yourself.
If you are interested in reducing the impact of a gummy smile, your periodontist may suggest crown lengthening as the appropriate treatment option. A comprehensive examination of your mouth, teeth and gums will be necessary in order to determine the extent of your condition as well as to identify the possible cause.
With a crown lengthening procedure, the appearance of a gummy smile can be corrected with beautiful results.
Your periodontist specializes in the treatment of the gums, soft tissues and other structures that support the teeth. With a crown lengthening procedure, the appearance of a gummy smile can be corrected with beautiful results. To accomplish the procedure, the excess gum tissue (and a small amount of bone if necessary) will be gently removed, exposing more of the underlying tooth structure. The gumline surrounding one or more teeth can be surgically sculpted in this manner to create a more even gum line and a beautifully natural looking smile.
There are other treatment solutions that may be recommended in addition to or in place of the crown lengthening procedure in order to achieve the results that are most ideal for you:
- Same-day laser sculpting
- Surgical lip repositioning procedure
- Orthodontic treatment (such as braces) to improve the position and alignment of the teeth.
- Gingival recontouring and surgical crown lengthening
- Orthognathic Maxillofacial surgery to correct skeletal (bone) proportions.
The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) recognizes that there are significant advantages to the crown lengthening procedure, including improved comfort and self-confidence as you smile, eat, and speak, and healthier gum tissues.
To learn more about your options for correcting a gummy smile, contact the office of Drs. Susan Karabin and Edward Gottesman at 212-756-8890 to schedule your professional consultation.
