Pink Aesthetics

What is a Gummy Smile?

In its most general form, a gummy smile can be defined as the smile line being above the gum line. In other words, it means that the gum tissue is more visible than it should be during smiling. To diagnose a gummy smile, there are certain criteria. One of the sufficient factors for diagnosing a gummy smile in a person is when during smiling, more than 3 mm of the distance between the gum border and the upper lip border is visible.

What Causes a Gummy Smile?

There can be many different reasons for a gummy smile. The main causes include:

1. Excessive growth of the gum tissue, covering more of the teeth than necessary for any reason.
2. Excessive vertical growth of the upper jawbone, medically known as the maxilla.
3. Front upper teeth being shorter than they should be.
4. Short or hyperactive upper lip condition.
5. The coexistence of a short and hyperactive upper lip.

How is a Gummy Smile Treated?

The treatment for a gummy smile is actually a part of gum aesthetics, and the treatment applied can vary from person to person depending on the identified cause of the gummy smile. One of the most preferred treatment methods is reducing the gums with a surgical operation. Additionally, there are various gum aesthetic techniques such as botulinum toxin applications or repositioning of the lip.

What are Pink Aesthetic Methods?

Pink aesthetic applications are planned according to the patient. The most preferred pink aesthetic applications include:

1. Regenerative: Gum diseases can sometimes cause damage to the tissues. In this case, the body’s own mechanisms are stimulated, aiming to achieve regeneration.
2. Gingivectomy: This method is preferred when there is overgrowth of the gum tissue, aiming to bring the gums to the ideal level, thus achieving an aesthetic smile.
3. Gingivoplasty: This procedure, performed to correct asymmetrical appearance, also eliminates the excess gum tissue appearance. Successful results can be achieved with complementary treatments such as porcelain or zirconium crowns.
4. Crown Lengthening: This procedure involves removing excess gum tissue and shaping the bone when there is tissue loss in the teeth. This way, a longer appearance of the teeth can be achieved.

Aesthetic interventions on the gums can also provide significant advantages such as preventing tooth loss. Gum problems that the patient may not be aware of are noticed by the dentist, and the necessary treatment is applied.