A “gummy smile,” officially termed excessive gingival display, is an aesthetic characteristic where a significant amount of gum tissue becomes visible above the upper teeth during a smile. This common condition affects an estimated 10% to 29% of adults, with higher prevalence in women. While it typically does not indicate a health concern, it can lead some individuals to feel self-conscious about their appearance.
Understanding the Anatomy of a Gummy Smile
A gummy smile involves specific anatomical components. The upper lip’s position and movement play a significant role, as it may lift higher than typical when a person smiles, exposing more of the gum line. The amount and shape of visible gum tissue, or gingiva, also define this characteristic. Ideally, a pleasing smile shows minimal upper gingiva, typically 1 to 2 millimeters.
Tooth size and eruption level are other contributing factors. Short teeth or those partially covered by gum tissue can make gums seem more prominent. The underlying structure of the jawbone, particularly the upper jaw (maxilla), can also influence how much gum is displayed. An overgrowth of the upper jawbone can lead to the gums protruding more noticeably.
Primary Causes of Gummy Smiles
Several biological factors, often stemming from variations in oral structure development or function, can lead to a gummy smile. Excess gum tissue is a common cause, manifesting as gingival hyperplasia or altered passive eruption. Gingival hyperplasia is an overgrowth of gum tissue covering more tooth surface than typical, making teeth appear shorter. Altered passive eruption occurs when gums do not fully recede after teeth emerge, leaving a significant portion of the tooth crown covered.
Tooth size or condition can also cause a gummy smile. Small teeth or those worn down by grinding can expose more gum tissue, affecting the tooth-to-gum ratio. This disproportion makes gums appear more prominent.
A hyperactive upper lip is a frequent cause, as its controlling muscles lift it too high when smiling. This excessive movement reveals more gum tissue. A short upper lip length also results in increased gum exposure, as it cannot adequately cover the gums.
Jawbone issues, specifically vertical maxillary excess, can also contribute to a gummy smile. This condition involves an overgrowth of the upper jawbone vertically, causing gums to extend downward and appear more prominent. This skeletal anomaly can result in a longer facial appearance and greater gum tissue display when smiling.
Addressing Gummy Smiles
Addressing a gummy smile involves various approaches, with the choice of treatment often depending on the underlying cause. Non-surgical options offer less invasive methods to improve smile aesthetics. Botox injections relax hyperactive upper lip muscles, reducing how high the lip rises when smiling and decreasing gum display. Botox effects typically last between three to six months, requiring repeat treatments for sustained results.
Orthodontic treatment, using braces or clear aligners, can also be effective, especially when linked to misaligned teeth or bite issues. Orthodontics gradually repositions teeth and improves the gum-to-teeth ratio.
Surgical options offer more permanent solutions for certain gummy smile causes. Gingivectomy, a gum recontouring procedure, removes excess gum tissue to expose more tooth surface and reshape the gum line. Crown lengthening is a similar procedure, removing both gum and bone tissue to reveal more tooth structure.
For complex jawbone issues, orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery) may be necessary. This procedure corrects upper jaw position to create a more balanced smile, particularly for severe vertical maxillary excess. Consulting a dental professional is important for accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, as the best approach varies for each individual.