Do you feel like your gums stand out when you smile? Studies have shown that people judge smiles as more attractive when they have two millimeters or less of gum tissue exposure. It’s estimated that 14 percent of women and 7 percent of men think they have a “gummy smile.” But what causes a gummy smile? What can you do about it? How can your cosmetic dentist in Reston help? Get the answers to all your questions about this topic here!
What causes a gummy smile?
Your smile’s appearance comes from a combination of your teeth, lips, jaw, and gums. If one is slightly out of position or proportion, it can affect the way you look. Gummy smiles, for instance, can occur for a variety of reasons, including the following:
- Teeth that appear short from improper eruption.
- Short upper lip.
- Hyperactive upper lip that lifts too high when smiling.
- Excessive gum tissue.
- Small teeth.
- Overgrowth of the upper jaw that makes gums bulge.
Some of these causes are genetic, while others are not, but luckily most instances of gummy smiles can be corrected.
What is the solution for a gummy smile?
The good news is that the best cosmetic dentist in Reston offers a treatment that can address your gummy smile! It’s called a gum lift or gum recontouring. This procedure uses a soft tissue laser to reshape the gum line and expose more of your teeth’s surface, creating a more balanced look between your gums and teeth.
Why should you consider getting a gum lift?
If you have a gummy smile, you may try to compensate for it by not smiling as widely or by simply smiling with your lips closed, but that could have a negative impact on your mental and emotional health. Smiling has been proven to improve your mood and well-being, so limiting your ability to smile fully can deprive you of the benefits. To help you smile with more confidence and enthusiasm, you should consider getting a gum lift, which has many benefits:
- More confidence in a better proportioned, healthier-looking smile.
- Pain-free process that doesn’t require any anesthesia.
- No bleeding during or after the procedure.
- Fast procedure that takes less than five minutes to perform.
In addition to these benefits, it is worth mentioning that a gum lift can easily be combined with teeth whitening or porcelain veneers for a comprehensive smile makeover.
Regardless of the cause of your gummy smile, you can turn to your cosmetic dentist in Reston for help. You can have the smile you’ve always dreamed of by getting a gum lift with a soft tissue laser. This safe, effective procedure can make a world a difference and make your smile stand out in the best possible way. To get started on your gum lift, contact your dentist for a consultation today!