Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of dentistry that aims to address aesthetic issues like a gummy smile. Your smile is one of the most noticeable parts of your appearance, and it can be the difference between making a good or bad impression.
One common reason that people seek cosmetic dentistry is to address gummy smiles. This is a condition where one or more of a patient's teeth are covered up by gum tissues. When they smile, more gum tissue than teeth is revealed, making the person's teeth appear abnormally small. A gummy smile can also lead to a person's upper lip being positioned higher than normal.
There are multiple factors that can lead to a person developing a gummy smile. Some people are born with excessive gum tissues, while it might develop with age for others. Factors that can lead to a gummy smile include:
There are a few treatments for patients to choose from when it comes to their gummy smile. These treatments have been proven to be an effective way to get rid of excess gum tissue over the years.
Crown lengthening: This has emerged as a standard way to treat a gummy smile. The procedure involves reshaping gum and bone tissues so teeth appear longer. Local anesthetics are used during the process, and incisions are made into the patient's gums. It can take up to two weeks to recover from crown lengthening. It is a safe procedure with a high success rate at eliminating excess gum tissue. The procedure can be performed using traditional dental tools or lasers.
Orthodontics: Some patients might need to have their teeth realigned to fix their gummy smile. For such people, treating their gummy smile might involve wearing oral appliances like clear aligners and braces that move a person's teeth to a better alignment over time. Improving the alignment of teeth can address a gummy smile and improve the patient's dental health.
Vertical maxillary impaction: This is a type of corrective surgery that involves repositioning the patient's jaw upward. It is one of the most invasive treatments and comes with a longer recovery period. The oral surgeon removes bone segments during the treatment, allowing them to move the maxilla.
Excessive gum tissues can lessen the aesthetic appearance of your teeth by making your teeth appear short. Treatments like crown lengthening can be used to fix your gummy smile and restore your confidence. Call or visit our Bryan clinic to learn more about treatments that can be used to improve the appearance of your smile.
Request an appointment here: http://www.riversdentistry.com or call Rivers Family Dentistry at (979) 710-2216 for an appointment in our Bryan office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Most people see their family dentist every six months for a dental cleaning. However, there are oral health issues that warrant a trip to the dentist’s office in between cleanings. These check-ins can protect your teeth’s integrity and your overall oral health in the long run.It is common for patients to wonder whether they can…
Your dentist can perform dental bonding in the clinic. This is a quick treatment that can restore your teeth’s healthy appearance. It could be the solution you need for your current dental issues. You should consider the following cosmetic benefits of dental bonding.The dentist needs to shave off a layer of enamel for treatments like…
Attending regular checkups with a general dentist is crucial for maintaining oral health. People can be tempted to put off these regular dental visits, tending only to see a dentist when they notice a problem. However, the following are some key reasons for making biannual checkups a priority. How often someone visits a dentist can…
In many dental care journeys, tooth extraction may be necessary to address concerns such as severe decay, overcrowding, or infection. This procedure can feel intimidating, but knowing what to expect helps ease anxiety and encourages positive results. By becoming familiar with each stage, patients often experience greater comfort and confidence when scheduling an appointment.A successful…
Most people see their family dentist every six months for a dental cleaning. However, there are oral health issues that warrant a trip to the dentist’s office in between cleanings. These check-ins can protect your teeth’s integrity and your overall oral health in the long run.It is common for patients to wonder whether they can…
Your dentist can perform dental bonding in the clinic. This is a quick treatment that can restore your teeth’s healthy appearance. It could be the solution you need for your current dental issues. You should consider the following cosmetic benefits of dental bonding.The dentist needs to shave off a layer of enamel for treatments like…