It’s completely normal and healthy to show a little gum when you smile. However, when the proportion between the teeth and gums is uneven, it can affect the overall balance of your smile. Many people feel self-conscious about what’s often called a “gummy smile” and seek options to address it.
An aesthetically pleasing smile is often described as having the right balance between the teeth (the white) and the gums (the pink). While there are variations from person to person, cosmetic dentists generally accept a guideline of around 85% teeth and 15% gums being visible in a balanced smile. When more gum is visible, the appearance of a “gummy smile” becomes more pronounced. The degree of gum display will influence which treatment options may be most suitable.
There are a number of reasons you can have a gummy smile. Here are some of these reasons:
- Skeletal: Excess underlying jaw bone, which may just be the way your upper jaw (maxillae) developed;
- Lip: You may have an upper lip that retracts, or lifts, a lot when you smile;
- Teeth: It may be because your teeth are small in proportion to the amount of gum you show when you smile; or
- Parafunction: Where your teeth have worn down.
During the consultation with our dentists, we will be able to investigate the reasons for your gummy smile and advice on treatment options.
How do you recontour gums?
In the past, one common way to reduce the appearance of a gummy smile was through a traditional method where the dentist would use a scalpel to reshape the gums. Local anaesthetic was applied to make the procedure comfortable, and while it could achieve good results, there were some drawbacks. Clients often experienced bleeding during the treatment, and recovery could take several days to a week. For these reasons, this approach is no longer our preferred method.
At The Dental Room, our cosmetic dentists and ceramists first plan where the final gum position needs to be. A CAD CAM gum guide is then manufactured. Under the guidance of the gum guide, a specialised laser or electro cauterisation method is used. These can precisely lift your gums up very gently and healing is actually instantaneous because there’s no bleeding and there’s no scarring. This procedure is usually completed within 10 minutes under local anaesthesia. You might get some slight discomfort towards the end, but it’s definitely nowhere near that caused by the traditional method.
Results, potential risks, complications, and recovery times can differ for each individual and each procedure. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. Refer to thedentalroom.com.au/risks for more information on risks and potential complications.
Before starting any treatment for a smile makeover in Melbourne, we recommend seeking independent advice from an AHPRA-registered health practitioner and considering a second opinion. This content is intended for adults, is general in nature, and should not be regarded as medical advice. Individual results cannot be guaranteed.
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About Dr Shawn Rama
Dr Shawn Rama is the Principal Dentist and Founder of The Dental Room, with more than 20 years of experience in general and aesthetic dentistry. He graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2003 and has undertaken further training in aesthetic dentistry, complex restorative dentistry and dental implants. Dr Shawn is also an accredited Invisalign® Platinum Provider and a member of the Australian Dental Association. He founded The Dental Room in Balwyn North in 2016, creating a boutique practice centred around personalised, considered dental care.
