Fix Gummy Smiles with Gum Recontouring

Implant, Esthetic and Reconstructive Dentistry

So much of cosmetic dentistry is based around the importance of a bright, attractive, photogenic smile. Being able to show off beautiful teeth is important to many patients who feel it makes a good first impression. One common cosmetic complaint we field relates to the so-called “gummy smile.” In these cases, the gums are large and overly prominent. They appear to dominate, making your smile more about your gums than your teeth. For some, this look is obviously less than ideal. Fortunately, Dr. John Phelps is capable of diagnosing the problem and helping you find a solution. If you live in the Indianapolis, Indiana area and you’re concerned about a gummy smile, please call Dr. John Phelps at 317-818-9858.

Addressing The Gummy Smile with Gum Recontouring

When smiling, many people want to see well proportioned teeth framed by normal looking gums.  Properly maintained teeth are quite attractive, but excessive visible gums can sometimes get all of the attention.  Many patients feel that overly prominent gums shroud their teeth and dominate their smile, often making them self-conscious about their appearance and less likely to smile as much as they otherwise would. A gummy smile is not necessarily caused by any failure of dental hygiene or effort on your part. Instead, the issues tend to be more structural in nature. 

For example:

  • Unusual or stunted tooth growth leaving a small amount of tooth enamel showing
  • An overactive muscle pulling your upper lip higher and higher, exposing more of your gums
  • Excessive protrusion of the upper jaw
In some cases, a gummy smile can be addressed through certain types of gum alterations like gum recontouring, and sometimes with the application of dental crowns or veneers.

If you’re concerned about your gummy smile, Dr. Phelps can conduct a thorough examination in order to determine the cause of the issue.  Once it has been determined that you are a gum recontouring candidate, he can create a plan and, if necessary, collaborate with a local specialist who is capable of addressing the structural issues that cause a gummy smile. Dr. Phelps bases his referrals only on your needs and the skill and experience of the doctors in question. If you’re an Indianapolis, Indiana resident and you want to explore gummy smile treatment options, please call Dr. John Phelps at 317-818-9858.