There’s more to an attractive smile than straight white teeth. Your gums also play a key role in the way that you and others perceive your smile. If you have excess gum tissue under your upper lip, also known as a gummy smile, it might be a source of insecurity or embarrassment.
While a gummy smile is not usually a health concern, it can be corrected for aesthetic reasons. Our dental team wants you to know more about this condition and your safe treatment options.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
Several different factors can contribute to the appearance of a gummy smile. Many of them are related to the growth of your teeth. If your teeth were covered by an excessive amount of gum tissue when they came in, which is known as altered passive eruption, it could have resulted in the gummy smile that you see today. It can also happen when your front teeth grow in too far.
You may also be able to see too much gum tissue due to a short upper lip or overactive lip muscles. The muscles that lift your lip upward can work too hard and expose your gumline.
Gum Contouring and Veneers in Aurora
Gummy smiles are common. In fact, around 10 percent of people between the ages of 20 and 30 have excessive gum tissue. Still, there is nothing wrong with wanting to correct this condition, and you have a few options.
Gum contouring is one of them. Also known as crown lengthening, this minimally invasive technique shortens the gumline and achieves a more balanced appearance. At the same time, it can be used to correct any asymmetry that may be present along your gums.
Sometimes, veneers can also create better proportions between your teeth and gums. The process involves placing porcelain veneers on your teeth to make them look longer. Veneers can make small teeth appear bigger, correct discoloration, and accomplish other goals. These days, they are an incredibly popular and versatile cosmetic dentistry service.
Book a Dental Consultation Today
Call (303) 751-3321 today to book your free consultation with a skilled member of our team. Aspenwood Dental Associates and Colorado Dental Implant Center serves patients from Denver, Centennial, and other nearby areas of Colorado.