When you look in the mirror, do you feel your gums steal the show? Gummy smiles are common, but they can make you feel self-conscious.
At Oral & Facial Surgery of Mississippi in Flowood, Mississippi, Dr. Michael R. Nichols performs facial cosmetic surgery and provides nonsurgical treatments to reshape smiles. Understanding your anatomy is the first step to finding a lasting solution for your smile.
A gummy smile can have a few causes. Sometimes, your upper lip muscles pull your lip up too high when you laugh. In other cases, excess gum tissue can cover your teeth, making them look short. Your jawbone structure can also affect how much gum shows.
At our Flowood practice, we use advanced imaging to evaluate your teeth, gums, and jaw. That helps us pinpoint the cause of your gummy smile and create a personalized plan. Dr. Nichols explains your options so you can make an informed decision.
Yes, nonsurgical options can temporarily relax the muscles that lift your lip. We offer Botox® and fillers to help manage a hyperactive upper lip. During your consultation, we examine your smile from every angle to recommend a treatment that works for your anatomy.
In a study, adults who received minimally invasive botulinum toxin (Botox) injections experienced a 2.4-millimeter reduction in gum exposure at four weeks. However, this effect wears off by 48 weeks, meaning you need maintenance treatments to keep your results.
If you want a long-term solution, surgical procedures can physically alter the tissue or bone. For excess gum tissue, we can perform crown lengthening to expose more of your natural tooth.
Gums naturally rebound by about 0.70 mm six months after crown lengthening. Because of this natural healing, we plan the procedure to account for this minor shift.
Another option is lip repositioning, which limits how high your lip can travel. A study found that adults who underwent a modified lip repositioning maintained a stable gum visibility of 2.48 mm at one year.
For complex skeletal issues, Dr. Nichols also performs corrective jaw surgery to realign the upper jaw.
You don’t have to hide your smile anymore. Our team can guide you through your options to address a gummy smile. To find the best treatment for your needs, contact our office to schedule a consultation today.
