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Gummy smile


I would like to know if there is a way to correct my smile. When I smile, I feel that a lot of my gum is exposed. I really do not like this look as it makes me feel unattractive. Is there a way to address this gummy smile?
C.E.

Dear C.E.,
Yes, there are ways to correct or improve your smile but that very much depends on the severity of your problem and your personal expectations of the treatment outcome. If the problem is due to improper positioning of your teeth (for example jutting out or jutting in), orthodontic treatment (braces) can sometimes improve the problem.

However, if your teeth are in their proper position, a procedure called ‘crown lengthening’ can be performed. This involves surgical removal of a small portion of your gum tissue or an alveolar bone so that your smile will be less gummy and your teeth will appear longer.

If your problem is due to improper skeletal (jaw) pattern, then a combination of orthognathic surgery (surgical correction of jaw position) and braces may be required.

Answered by Dr. Tan Bun Chia | Sun, 2009/01/11 - 10:57pm
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