Non-surgical Gummy Smile Treatment in El Paso, TX

What is a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile occurs when there is an excess of visible gum tissue while smiling. This can be due to various factors, such as incorrect teeth growth leading to excessive gum coverage, teeth appearing shorter due to being surrounded by too much gum, or an overactive lip muscle that lifts the upper lip too high. While a gummy smile is usually not harmful, many people find it aesthetically unpleasing and choose cosmetic treatments to reduce the visibility of gum tissue in their smile. Dr. Nathan Hansen offers several options to address this concern.

Are You a Candidate for Gummy Smile Treatment?

Everyone that is concerned about the look of their smile with excessive gum tissue is a good candidate. The severity of crooked teeth and/or other orthodontic issues usually does not matter as they will be corrected during treatment as well. However, we do consider several factors such as good oral health, non-smoking status, fully erupted teeth, and appropriate gum thickness.

How Gummy Smile Treatment Works

Our non-surgical gummy smile treatment is designed to be efficient and minimally invasive. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process:

Initial Consultation

Clinical photos and an exam are needed for the correct diagnosis and cause of the excessive gum showing.

Pre-Treatment Preparation

Decide on the personalized treatment plan best for you.

TADs

TADs are mini screws that are placed into the bone to help us correct the gummy smile.

Laser Gum Contouring

The procedure uses a specialized laser to reshape the gum line precisely. Local anesthesia ensures comfort, and the laser minimizes bleeding and speeds up healing.

Final Results

Once healed, you'll enjoy a more balanced smile. We'll review the results and ensure you're satisfied. Regular dental check-ups will help maintain your new smile.

Benefits of Our Non-Surgical Gummy Smile Treatment

Gummy smile treatment is minimally invasive, offering a non-surgical approach that reduces risk and discomfort. Self Confidence and having the smile you have dreamed of can be invaluable and bring so many benefits to your life. It enhances your smile aesthetics by:

Reducing excess gum tissue

Creating a more balanced and pleasing smile

Create an overall more aesthetic facial appearance and structure

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it painful during the placement of TADs/miniscrews for treatment?
Local anesthesia is typically used for the TAD/miniscrew placement. It numbs the treatment area, ensuring the procedure is painless and comfortable. Patients remain awake and will feel pressure but will not feel any discomfort during the procedure.
How long does the gummy smile treatment take?
The duration of treatment usually takes about 18 months but varies depending on the severity of other orthodontic issues that must be corrected at the same time. Treatment can take less time if other orthodontic problems are mild.
Is a gingivectomy necessary with gummy smile treatment?
Yes, we always recommend finishing treatment with a gingivectomy to finalize the aesthetics of the smile, have balanced gum tissues, and show well proportioned teeth. However, it is your treatment and you can choose to opt out of the gingivectomy procedure.
What are the potential risk of gummy smile treatment?
TAD/Miniscrew failure: Sometimes the bone where the TADs are placed is soft allowing for failure. If this occurs, we remove the TAD and find a better position with stronger bone. Root Resorption: Orthodontic treatment in general can allow for slight root resorption on rare occasions. We take x-rays (3D cone beam) as a precaution to make sure this does not occur.