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I am Teppei Tsukuyama, a part-time cosmetic dentist at Bianca Clinic.

I'm concerned that my gums stand out when I smile..."
Teeth look smaller against the gums..."
Many people suffer from this condition, the so-called “gummy smile. Just as each person's body shape and facial features are different, the shape of gums and teeth are also unique. However, some people may be embarrassed to smile in public because of their individuality.

Gummy smile is sometimes positively regarded as one of the charm points because it gives a bright and cute impression. In fact, you may even see popular celebrities with a gummy smile. However, if it causes you to lack confidence in your smile, you may want to consider treatment. In this article, we will discuss the definition of a gummy smile, how to self-check it, and specific treatment options.

What is the condition that makes you feel "Gummy Smile is terrible..."?

To begin with, what kind of condition is a gummy smile?

Is there a “standard” for a gummy smile?

Source: Tsukiyama Dental Clinic, Specialty Medical Clinic Tenjin

Although there is no clear standard for a gummy smile, it is generally defined as having the upper gums exposed more than 3 mm when smiling. However, some people have the same width of exposed gums, but they are not very noticeable, while others have the opposite. Not only the width of the exposed gums themselves, but also the impression of the gums tends to be considerably stronger if the ratio is the same as or greater than that of the teeth. As a self-check method, you can try smiling in front of a mirror, but taking a picture is also recommended. With a photograph, you can check objectively from all angles and get a better idea of the extent of your gummy smile.

What causes a gummy smile? Is it inherited by children?

There are three possible causes of a gummy smile

• Strong lip movement due to facial muscles
• Relatively small teeth (dwarf teeth)
• Teeth are growing in a downward and forward direction (bucktooth)
• Due to maxillary bone morphology (skeletal factors)

Of these, the skeletal component is said to be “easily influenced by heredity,” and similar tendencies may be seen in family members. If you have a gummy smile, you may be worried that your child may need treatment as well.

Gummy smiles in children may become less noticeable as permanent teeth erupt, but it is generally difficult for them to improve naturally. The young and cute image of a gummy smile is often not a concern in childhood, but it can become a concern later in life as the child becomes more visible to the public during puberty, the risk of periodontal disease, and the effect on the alignment and bite of the teeth.

What are some treatments for a gummy smile?

Many people suffer from a gummy smile, but it does not necessarily have to be treated. If you are not concerned about the appearance, the risk of tooth decay or gum disease, or the cause of bad breath, there is no need to treat it. However, if you feel that your mental or oral health is negatively affected by a gummy smile, you may want to consider treatment. Bianca offers the following treatment options for gummy smiles.

Esthetic crown lengthening (crown lengthening)

As a gummy smile treatment, the gums and the bone supporting the teeth are morphed to make the original length of the teeth appear appropriate. It is indicated for gummy smile, which is a type of smile in which the exposed gums are accentuated by the shortened appearance of the teeth themselves. By adjusting the natural length of the “visible part” (crown) of the teeth, the balance of the smile is improved. Postoperative sensitivity may occur temporarily, but in most cases it tends to subside naturally over time. This is a short procedure with little downtime, making it easy for patients to return to their daily lives.

Upper lip mucosectomy (lip repositioning)

Lip repositioning" is a surgical procedure also known as upper lip mucosectomy. The mucous membrane area near the border between the upper lip and gums is removed from the back of the lip and joined together to make the area of the gums appear narrower. The procedure is quick, but there may be some discomfort for a while after the surgery, as if the patient is being pulled. In some cases, depending on the symptoms, combined surgery with esthetic crown lengthening may be performed.

Gammy Botox

Although hyaluronic acid injections into the upper lip are also available as an injection-based treatment for gummy smile, Bianca employs Botox injections, which are considered a common treatment method. Gummy smile treatment with Botox injections uses a botulinum toxin preparation to relax the movement of the upper lip muscles, making it difficult for the gums to protrude. The effect is temporary, and in some cases, regular treatments are required every six months to sustain the change.

If you have a gummy smile, please visit Bianca Clinic.

Gummy smiles do not always require treatment. However, patients who have completed treatment sometimes happily say, "It has changed my life! We are happy to hear such comments from patients who have completed treatment. If you are suffering from a longstanding complex or lack confidence in your smile, we encourage you to consider treatment. At Bianca, we actively incorporate treatments from Europe and the United States, the leading countries in dentistry, while tailoring our treatment to each individual patient, aiming for the best both functionally and aesthetically. If you are interested in receiving advanced treatment for a gummy smile in Tokyo, please contact Bianca Clinic.

▶For more information about Bianca Clinic's "Gummy Smile Treatment" and to make an appointmentHere!