Can a Gum Lift Fix My Gummy Smile?

A ‘gummy smile’ refers to excessive visibility of the gums when smiling, due to an imbalance between the teeth and gums. Some people with gummy smiles opt for a dental procedure known as a gum lift to help address this condition.

A gum lift is a minimally-invasive procedure that treats any gum irregularities, leaving you with a more even, balanced and proportionate smile you’ll love to show off.

While gum lifts aren’t always a medical necessity (although in some cases they may be performed as part of other required periodontal procedures), people with a gummy smile may choose this treatment in order to boost their confidence and feel happier with the appearance of their teeth.

Read on to discover more about how gum lift treatment can transform a gummy smile for good.

What causes uneven gums?

If your gums cover a large proportion of your teeth, they can make the teeth look small and your smile appear uneven. This excessive gum coverage is often caused by how the gum has formed, but it can also be due to gum disease, genetic factors, and – in some cases – certain underlying health problems.

On the flipside, some people have gums that sit too high and make their teeth appear longer. This is often caused by gum recession, which occurs when the gum tissue pulls back from the tooth and exposes its root. Gum recession can lead to more serious dental issues, so it’s important to attend regular check-ups with your dentist to monitor your oral health.

A gum lift can help to enhance the appearance of both types of uneven gums.

How is a gum lift performed?

A gum lift involves the use of a special dental laser to re-contour the uneven or excessive gum above your teeth. This quick procedure results in more of your natural teeth being exposed, leaving you with a more balanced, tooth-dominant smile.

Is a gum lift painful?

No. A gum lift is a minimally-invasive treatment that involves very little or no discomfort during or after the procedure. We’ll use local anaesthetic to ensure you feel comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.

How long will my gum lift take?

In the majority of cases, we can carry out your gum lift procedure in a single visit. What’s more, it only takes a few days to heal from your gum lift surgery.

Within around 12 weeks, your gums will have reached their optimal position and you can show off your beautiful balanced smile!

How much does a gum lift cost?

Your Apple Dental practitioner will be able to provide you with all the information you need about your gum lift, including the costs involved. To find out more, contact our friendly team.

What if my gummy smile is due to a different reason?

In some cases, a gummy smile will be caused by overactive muscles in your upper lip; when these muscles contract – such as when you smile or talk – an excess of gum tissue will be exposed.

Muscle relaxing injections can provide a gentle and non-invasive way to correct this type of gummy smile. By causing your upper lip muscles to relax, this method can reduce the appearance of a gummy smile.

Our dental practitioners will only use a minuscule amount of high-quality muscle relaxing injections to ensure you maintain a natural-looking smile.

Want to learn more about addressing a gummy smile with a gum lift? Contact the Apple Dental team today.