Gummy Smile
What is a Gummy Smile?
The gummy smile is the excess exposure of the gum when smiling. There are several causes and therefore several treatments depending on the cause.
When the gummy smile is slight, that is, no more than 2-3 mm of gum is shown when smiling, and also the level of the gum in relation to the crown of the teeth is low, we can solve the gummy smile, treating the gingiva using a technique called crown lengthening. What we do is reduce the amount of gum that covers the tooth (that is why we do it when the gum covers the tooth too much) so that we reduce the gummy smile between 2 and 4 mm.
When is it necessary to do Orthognathic Surgery?
In cases of larger gummy smile, more than 3 mm, and especially if it is associated with lip incompetence (the lips do not touch at rest without having to contract the chin) and a retruded jaw, the ideal solution is orthognathic surgery. In these cases, the upper jaw is repositioned upwards, the amount of mm that we want to reduce the gummy smile. It is also usually associated with a forward movement of the maxilla, the mandible and often an anticlockwise rotation of the maxilla and mandible.
Hypermobile and short lip
Another cause of a gummy smile is a hypermobile and short lip. This is a patient who has very powerful lip muscles, which makes the lip rise more than normal when smiling, showing too much gum. In this case it is essential to measure the length of the lip to know if it is short or normal. Hypermobile lips that cause a gummy smile can be treated by weakening the orbicularis oris muscle with neuromodulatory toxin (Botox®).
As you can see, it is not so easy to know the best way to treat a gummy smile without having assessed all these parameters. During your visit, we will assess the best treatment option for your gummy smile and we will explain the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Our Recommendations
Why have an operation at Birbe Clinic?
We are specialists in designing faces and smiles.
At Birbe Clinic we have a great team, mentored by Dr. Joan Birbe, with more than 20 years of experience treating patients; always up to date with news and selecting the innovations that really bring improvements to our treatments. As in the case of virtual simulations of facial surgeries, intraoral scanners, customization of facial prostheses, the use of the microscope, etc.
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Our priority is to achieve excellence in treatment. All this with a personalized, honest and trustworthy treatment. In addition, our facilities offer maximum hygiene, sterilization and comfort.
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We help you carry out the intervention you need
After a rigorous evaluation we will offer you a personalized and closed estimate with all the necessary forms of payment and financing, so that you can carry it out.
Contact Us
Contact us during our business hours of:
- Monday, Thursday and Friday from 8.00h to 16.00h.
- Tuesday and Wednesday from 8.00h to 18.00h.
- Phone Number: +34 93 212 47 37.
Outside of our business hours you can send us a WhatsApp or a form and we will answer you as soon as possible. Being located in Barcelona, we receive patients from all over the national and international territory.
During your first consultation we will provide you with:
✔ Personal diagnosis by oral and facial examination.
✔ Closed estimate with different financing possibilities.
