London dentist treats gummy smiles with laser contouring
Sometimes when a person smiles or talks there is a visible excess of pinkish gum tissue. This excess gum tissue display is more commonly known as a ‘gummy smile’. The most recent figures show that around 7 per cent of men and 14 per cent of women suffer from excess gum display when fully smiling. The condition is associated with a large upper jaw, short upper lip or an increased forward position of the two front teeth.
There are several treatments available for gummy smiles. It is most commonly corrected by periodontal surgery, but other corrective treatments include orthodontic treatment or jaw surgery. In some instances all three are used in combination.
Orthodontic treatment is usually used when the patient is still developing. Lasting one to three years, depending on the severity of the problem and the rate of growth of the patients face, orthodontic treatments are made form ceramic and metal and can either be removable or fixed. The appliances gently apply force to the required area which will lessen the visibility if the gums.
Periodontal surgery usually involves gingival reshaping or gum contouring. By removing some of the excess gum tissue with a laser it will increase the length of the crown and eliminate the gummy smile effect.
Some dentists will also consider repositioning the lips to make the gummy smile less obvious. As with all dental treatments it very much depends on the individual patient. If you think you suffer from a gummy smile consult a London dentist who will be able to inform you of the best methods of treatment.
