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.
A general dentist plays an essential role in maintaining lifelong oral health by providing preventive, restorative, and cosmetic care for patients of all ages. While specialists focus on particular aspects of dentistry, a general dentist provides a wide range of services to address routine needs and detect issues early. Understanding what distinguishes a general dentist…
Your family dentist can apply dental sealants as an effective way to protect the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth. The sealants are in liquid form but harden when in contact with saliva. This preventive treatment can help protect your child’s teeth from bacteria and food particles. Here are the details on when your family…
Curious about how long dental bonding lasts? Read on to learn more. Dental bonding can be a functional as well as aesthetic procedure. It is simple, quick, and effective for correcting minor dental imperfections that impact the appearance of the smile. It involves putting a tooth-colored composite resin on the surface area of the tooth.…
An Invisalign dentist offers patients a clear, step-by-step treatment plan that transforms smiles while maintaining comfort and convenience. This orthodontic option uses a series of custom aligners to gradually shift teeth into ideal positions, with progress monitored at regular intervals. Understanding the treatment process month by month helps patients prepare for each stage and stay…
A general dentist plays an essential role in maintaining lifelong oral health by providing preventive, restorative, and cosmetic care for patients of all ages. While specialists focus on particular aspects of dentistry, a general dentist provides a wide range of services to address routine needs and detect issues early. Understanding what distinguishes a general dentist…
Your family dentist can apply dental sealants as an effective way to protect the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth. The sealants are in liquid form but harden when in contact with saliva. This preventive treatment can help protect your child’s teeth from bacteria and food particles. Here are the details on when your family…