How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Transform Your Gummy Smile

How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Transform Your Gummy Smile

Although standard dental hygiene will keep your oral health in check, it may not result in the smile of your dreams. Regular brushing, flossing, and check-ups can keep teeth white, but they can’t reduce excessive gum tissue, the cause of a gummy smile). While such a smile is natural and poses no risk to health, you can seek transformative cosmetic dentistry services to adjust your appearance and confidence.  

Crozet, VA, residents can turn to Hillcrest Dental for personalized, patient-centered dental care. Our team offers general and cosmetic dentistry as well as oral surgery services to help every patient achieve a stunning smile. Thanks to our 70 years of experience, you can rest assured that your smile is in good hands. Call (434) 973-2224 to learn more or request a free consultation!

Below, we explore how cosmetic dental care can change a gummy smile:

What is a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile occurs when an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible when an individual smiles, making the teeth appear shorter than they are. This may happen due to many factors, including: 

• Genetics: Some people are born with a high gum-to-tooth ratio.

• Hyperactive upper lip: If the upper lip rises higher than average when smiling, it can expose more gum.

• Misaligned teeth: Cracked or uneven teeth can distort the gum’s appearance and contribute to a gummy smile.

How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Help

Depending on the root cause of your gummy smile, numerous cosmetic dentistry services can help you achieve amazing results. Consult a trusted dental clinic to help you choose the service that works best for you. Cosmetic dentistry services for gummy smiles include: 

• Gum Contouring: Also known as gingivectomy, gum contouring involves removing excess gum tissue with a gentle laser or scalpel. This quick-healing procedure sculpts the gum line to expose enamel and create a balanced, visually attractive smile.

• Orthodontics: Braces or clear aligners can correct misaligned or poorly positioned teeth to minimize their gummy appearance.

• Crown Lengthening: Similar to gum contouring, crown lengthening involves removing gum and underlying bone so teeth appear longer and less gummy.

Perfecting Exposed Teeth 

Although cosmetic dentistry services for gummy smiles can expose tooth enamel, they do not perfect them. Specifically, you may find that the previously covered areas of teeth differ in color, or their shape isn’t what you had hoped. In such cases, cosmetic dentistry services like dental bleaching or veneers can refine your newly exposed teeth. 

Dental bleaching, also known as teeth whitening, is a cosmetic procedure that lightens the shade of teeth and removes discoloration or stains. Using hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, dental bleaching can remove imperfections and create a bright, attractive smile. 

On the other hand, veneers are thin, custom-made shells semi-permanently bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. These shells can cover many dental imperfections (including discoloration, chips, gaps, misshapen teeth, and more) to create a flawless, natural-looking smile. 

Cosmetic Dentistry Services in Crozet, VA!

Everyone deserves to feel good about their smile. If you want to transform a gummy smile with cosmetic dentistry services, Hillcrest Dental can help. We work closely with Crozet, VA, patients to develop a customized treatment plan that delivers beautiful, long-lasting results. To learn more information about our dental services, call (434) 973-2224 today!