When someone has too much gum tissue, they can experience what's called a gummy smile. This is where the gum tissue covers more of your teeth than you want it to and looks a bit unnatural. Many people with gummy smiles feel self-conscious about their smile and may avoid smiling altogether. Here are three reasons why someone may have a gummy smile and what can be done to fix it.

A Bad Bite

When a person's top and bottom jaw do not align, it can cause the teeth to look shorter than they are. This is because when the jaw misaligns, it pushes the gums and teeth forward. A bad bite can cause a variety of issues such as:

Crooked Teeth
Jaw Pain
Self Esteem Issues
And more

Overbites most often result in a gummy smile.

Hyperactive Upper Lip

When the upper lip muscles and below the nose are hyperactive, this results in a "hyperactive upper lip." This is generally due to genetics, and the overuse of these muscles results in a gummy smile.

Too Much Gum Tissue

During the eruption of permanent teeth, there can be an overgrowth of gum tissue. That can result in a gummy smile. Infection of the gums can also result in the appearance of a gummy smile. However, the infection is causing inflammation and swelling that is covering too much of the teeth.

What is Gum Grafting?

Gum grafting is a surgical procedure used to improve the appearance of a gummy smile. The surgery involves the removal of excess gum tissue and the placement of healthy gum tissue in its place. This will help expose more of your teeth, making your smile look more natural.

Benefits of Gum Recontouring

When it comes to getting your smile back, there are many benefits to gum recontouring. Some of these benefits include:

A more aesthetically pleasing smile
Improved confidence
Reduced risk of tooth decay and gum disease

If you are considering gum recontouring, contact Dr. Firouzi today and gain your confidence back.

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