Do you ever catch yourself smiling with your lips closed? Or maybe you feel like your teeth look too short, even though you know they’re not. If that sounds familiar, you might have what dentists call a gummy smile. It simply means more gum tissue shows than you’d like when you smile. And it’s usually fixable. You don’t have to live with a smile that makes you feel self-conscious.
Let’s talk about what causes a gummy smile and how periodontists like those at North Shore Periodontics & Implantology can help.
Why Does Someone Have a Gummy Smile?
There are a few common reasons. Some people have gums that naturally cover more of their teeth than average. Others have teeth that didn’t fully erupt, meaning they came in, but the gum tissue never pulled back to where it should be. And for some, it’s a combination of tooth shape, lip movement, and gum position.
A gummy smile isn’t usually a medical emergency. But if it bothers you, that’s reason enough to explore your options. You deserve to feel good about your smile.
Crown Lengthening: The Go-To Solution
The most common fix for a gummy smile is a procedure called crown lengthening. The name sounds intense. In reality, it’s a fairly straightforward treatment.
Your periodontist reshapes the gum tissue around your teeth. Sometimes they remove a tiny amount of bone as well. The goal is to expose more of your natural tooth structure. When the gums heal, your teeth look longer and more balanced. Your smile looks more proportional.
The procedure itself is done right in our Skokie office. Most patients are comfortable with just local anesthesia. And if you’re nervous? We offer sedation options to help you relax.
Healing usually takes a few weeks. During that time, you’ll have some temporary sensitivity. Most patients say it’s nowhere near as uncomfortable as they expected.
Laser Gum Contouring: A Modern Option
For patients with less severe gummy smiles, laser dentistry can be a fantastic choice. Instead of using a scalpel, your periodontist uses a dental laser to precisely remove excess gum tissue.
The advantages are real:
- Less bleeding.
- Less swelling.
- Faster healing.
- Many patients are back to their normal routine the next day.
Laser contouring works best when your underlying bone is in the right position already. Your periodontist can tell you whether you’re a good candidate.
What About Orthodontics?
Sometimes a gummy smile isn’t just a gum issue. Your teeth may have erupted in a way that makes your smile look off-balance. In those cases, braces or clear aligners might be part of the solution.
At North Shore Periodontics & Implantology, we work closely with orthodontists when needed. We’re not afraid to say, “You know what? Let’s team up with someone else to get you the best result.” It’s about you, not our ego.
What to Expect
If you’re curious about your options, here’s how it works. You come in for a consultation. Your periodontist examines your smile and takes a few images. Then you have a conversation: no pressure, no sales pitch. We explain what would work best for your specific smile and answer your questions.
Some patients get treated in one visit. Others combine crown lengthening with other cosmetic procedures. Either way, you could get a smile you’re excited to show off.
You Have Choices
A gummy smile isn’t something you just have to accept. Crown lengthening, laser contouring, and other solutions have helped thousands of patients feel better about their smiles. You could be one of them.
Ready to see what’s possible? Call North Shore Periodontics & Implantology at 708-834-7080 or schedule a consultation online. Your confident smile is waiting.