They say your eyes are the windows to your soul, but your smile says a lot about you, too. When you hide your smile because you are concerned about it or self-conscious of it, that says a lot as well. Braces are used to fix a number of oral issues from crooked teeth to a misaligned bite. Having a gummy smile might be something that has you wondering if braces could be the answer.
What Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile, or more technically speaking, “excessive gingival display,” is the term for your smile if more of your gums than normal show above your teeth. What is considered more gum than normal? Measured in very small increments, a smile is typically considered “gummy” when more than two millimeters of your gums show above your teeth and below your lips when you smile.
In the majority of cases, there is no cause for concern. Gummy smiles occur in less than 30 percent of the population. That may seem like a small percentage but they are still fairly common, more so in females.
Gummy smiles are often hereditary and don’t indicate any issues or unhealthy situations. Due to subjective tastes, some people are uncomfortable with more than one millimeter of their gums showing when they smile. Personal preferences often prompt people to wonder if their gummy smile can be fixed with braces.
Can a Gummy Smile Be a Sign of Trouble?
There are some cases when a gummy smile may be due to inflamed or swollen gums which could put your teeth at risk if ignored. Treating gingivitis as soon as possible can prevent more serious issues such as periodontal disease.
When your smile shows excessive gums, an orthodontic examination may identify a bad bite, which can be a factor in having a gummy smile. Orthodontic treatment will improve your oral health which can result in a smile that shows a little less gum.
So, Can Braces Fix a Gummy Smile?
Braces can fix a gummy smile. Using braces is an orthodontic treatment which, over time, moves your teeth and jaws into their healthiest position. Over the course of several months, or years, braces make it possible to reduce the amount of gumline that shows when you smile. This is accomplished when teeth are adjusted into their ideal position in your mouth. Once your teeth are in proper alignment, the appearance of a gummy smile is reduced because your gums appear flatter.
Invisalign for Gummy Smiles
Invisalign is a subtle alternative to braces that could be a good option for you – especially if you’ve been wondering whether braces can fix a gummy smile but weren’t sure if braces were for you. It is a nearly invisible orthodontic treatment. Invisalign is a way you can eat and drink your favorite foods while the position of your teeth is adjusted over time by wearing clear aligners. Unlike braces, the Invisalign aligners can be removed for meals!
This is an alternative way your orthodontist can help fix your gummy smile and it is nearly invisible to family and friends. A consultation with your orthodontist is the best way to find out if Invisalign is an option to help reduce your gummy smile.
In your youth or as an adult, whether with braces or Invisalign, it is possible to fix the gumminess of your smile so you’ll be proud to show off that grin – and that says a lot.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Do you have questions about Invisalign or orthodontic treatment? We can answer your questions to keep your teeth and gums healthy – schedule a free consultation! Contact us online or call 440-842-8015
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