Do you have a “gummy smile”? Do your teeth seem too short or small, showing too much gum when you smile? Because of these traits, you may feel self-conscious about your smile.
Fortunately, Santucci Orthodontics offers gummy smile treatment to help you achieve a perfect smile and boost your confidence.
What Is A Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile is a condition where a person shows an abnormal amount of gum tissue when they smile. There are several reasons this can occur:
- The teeth have grown incorrectly, resulting in too much gum tissue covering them.
- The teeth may look short due to the amount of gum tissue surrounding them.
- A hyperactive lip muscle causes the upper lip to rise higher than average.
Although a gummy smile may not pose any severe threats to oral health, many patients don’t like the appearance and choose to seek cosmetic treatment. There are various treatments Dr. Santucci can employ to reduce the amount of gum tissue showing when you smile.
Can My Gummy Smile Be Treated?
Yes, there are options available to you! You will need to see a qualified orthodontist like Dr. Santucci for treatment. During your consultation. Dr. Santucci will examine your gums and teeth to determine the cause of your gummy smile and create a treatment plan.
Dr. Santucci uses braces combined with temporary anchor devices (TADs), which are mini-screws that pull the teeth up behind the lip and ensure that there isn’t so much gum showing. He is an expert in this field and has successfully treated patients with gummy smiles.
Don’t let a gummy smile keep you from smiling. Santucci Orthodontics can help you achieve the beautiful, confident smile you deserve.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
The length of gummy smile treatment will depend on several factors, including the severity of the issues and any pre-existing conditions like gum disease.
Dr. Santucci can help reduce the amount of gum tissue showing when you smile using braces and TADs. Treatment usually takes 18 to 20 months, but the results are well worth it!
This method effectively reduces the amount of gum tissue showing when you smile. In some cases, it can also prevent the need for surgery.
When the treatment is complete, Dr. Santucci will do a gingivectomy to give you the beautiful, confident smile you’ve always wanted!
What Is A Gingivectomy / Gingivoplasty?
A gingivectomy is a procedure that involves the removal of excess gum tissue. The procedure treats gum disease or can simply alter the shape of the gumline to improve your smile.
Using a laser to reshape the gumline is a much faster and more advanced method of treatment. The laser instantly cauterizes the incision to speed healing and allows for unparalleled accuracy compared to traditional tools, like scalpels.
Recovery Time
Most patients recover within one to two weeks after having a gingivectomy. However, it is essential to take things slowly at first and give your mouth time to heal.
You will likely have some minor swelling and soreness in the treatment area for the first few days. You can help reduce these symptoms by eating soft foods and avoiding hot beverages. It is also essential to brush and floss gently during this time.
You can gradually resume your regular oral care routine as your mouth feels better. However, it is essential to avoid vigorous brushing and flossing for the first few weeks.
You should also avoid chewing gum or using tobacco products at least a week after your surgery. These habits can irritate and delay healing.
How Does Gummy Smile Treatment Play A Role In A Perfect Smile?
A perfect smile is not only about teeth whitening but also the gum-to-teeth ratio. Gummy smile treatment helps to improve the gum-to-teeth balance for a better, more pleasant-looking smile. The results are long-lasting and can help you feel more confident about your smile.
If you are unhappy with the way your teeth look, Dr. Santucci can help. He is a highly qualified orthodontist with years of experience treating patients with gummy smiles.
