With wear, teeth become incrementally shorter.
Gummy smile full#
Gumminess caused by excess gum tissue that obscures the crowns of the teeth is correctable with a periodontal plastic surgery (“peri” – around “odont” – tooth) technique called “crown lengthening.” During this procedure, the excess gum tissues and underlying bone are reshaped to expose the full length of teeth.Įxcessive tooth wear can also cause changes in the gum-to-tooth ratio. When the upper teeth appear too short, periodontal plastic surgery to remove excess tissue and lengthen teeth can correct a gummy smile.Īfter periodontal crown lengthening and porcelain veneers, a beautiful smile is achieved. Natural variations in the eruption process can give rise to discrepancies in the normal proportions and relationships of teeth to gum tissues, which can result in shorter than normal teeth and gumminess of the smile. The ratio of crown width to length is about 75-85%, which is also what is viewed as normal.
Ideal crown length (the visible part of the tooth above the gum line) is approximately 10 mm this is considered normal. It usually ceases in adulthood when growth is completed and when the permanent (adult) teeth meet their antagonists (upper teeth meet the lowers in the opposing jaw).īut the process doesn't stop there the gum and bone tissues shrink back and stabilize typically somewhere in the late teens in girls and early 20's in boys. Tooth eruption is an active process by which the teeth move through the gums and supporting bone to become visible in the mouth.
If a gummy smile impacts a person's enjoyment of life, comfort, and well-being, it could just be time to do something about it. Many people are not aware that there are options for correcting or altering the appearance of an excessively gummy smile.
Smiles look “gummy” when the proportions of the teeth, gum tissues, and the upper jaw are not in harmony with each other.