Gummy Smile Treatment in Wichita

If your smile shows more gum than teeth, you’re not alone. A “gummy smile” can make people feel self-conscious, even when their teeth are healthy and straight. But the cause isn’t always just cosmetic. It can be related to jaw growth, lip movement, or how the teeth erupted. At Santucci Orthodontics, we look at the root cause to treat “gummy smile” so you can feel confident and comfortable in your smile.

What Causes a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile, often referred to as excessive gum display, isn’t always about the gums themselves. It can be caused by several underlying factors, including:

  • Excess gum tissue covering the teeth
  • Teeth that appear short or haven’t fully erupted
  • An overactive upper lip that lifts too high when smiling
  • Vertical overgrowth of the upper jaw
  • Genetics or inherited facial structure

 

Understanding the true cause is the first step to effective treatment. That’s why we take a close look at how your teeth, lips, gums, and jaw all work together before recommending a plan.

How Gummy Smile Treatment Works

Every gummy smile journey starts with a comprehensive evaluation that may include digital imaging, 3D scans, and a close look at facial balance, gum-to-lip ratio, and how the teeth fit within the smile arc. Our goal is to pinpoint the underlying cause of a gummy smile so we can design a treatment plan that brings natural balance and confidence to your smile.

Once we identify the cause of your gummy smile, we design a treatment plan that fits your needs and goals. Treatment may be purely aesthetic, functional, or a combination of both.

Depending on your case, treatment could include:

  • Gum contouring to gently remove excess gum tissue. Learn more about gum shaping.
  • Orthodontics to adjust tooth position and improve smile balance
  • Non-surgical bite alignment to correct jaw-related imbalances without invasive procedures
  • TADs (Temporary Anchorage Devices) to intrude over-erupted teeth and reduce gum show
  • Lip repositioning techniques to lower the upper lip when smiling
  • Collaboration with specialists for surgical or advanced procedures when necessary

Expert Gummy Smile Treatment in Wichita

Every gummy smile is different, which is why our treatment plans are custom-built. From digital scans to facial evaluations, we take a comprehensive look at your smile’s balance and structure before recommending a solution. Our Wichita team uses advanced tools and a conservative approach to create results that are subtle, symmetrical, and long-lasting.