Gummy Smiles Treatment

Diagnosis of a Gummy Smile

During your initial consultation at Palo Alto Orthodontics, Dr. Jenny Yoo will thoroughly evaluate your teeth, gums, and jaw to determine the cause of your gummy smile. This includes assessing your smile, upper lip length, and teeth visibility at rest.

We use advanced diagnostic tools such as digital impressions, x-rays, and photographs to get a complete view of your oral structure. Based on these findings, Dr. Yoo will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. She will explain the diagnosis, discuss treatment options, and help you choose the best course of action.

Throughout this process, you’ll receive a detailed explanation and have the opportunity to ask questions, ensuring you feel informed and confident about your treatment journey.

Treatment Options for Gummy Smiles

How to fix a gummy smile? There are different treatments used to address the issue of excessive gum display and create a more balanced and attractive smile.

Orthodontic Treatment

Braces or clear aligners can help reposition your teeth, which, in some cases, reduces the appearance of a gummy smile. By moving your teeth into their optimal positions through gummy smile orthodontics, you can achieve a more balanced smile with less gum showing.

Maxillofacial Surgery

For more severe cases, maxillofacial surgery is an effective way on how to fix gummy smile issues. It may be necessary to reposition the jawbone and correct structural issues that contribute to a gummy smile, providing a long-term solution.

Gingivectomy (Laser Gum Treatment)

A gingivectomy involves removing excess gum tissue to expose more of your natural tooth enamel. This is often done using a laser, which allows for precise removal and quicker recovery. The procedure is relatively simple and can significantly enhance the appearance of your smile.

Non-Surgical Options

• TADs (Temporary Anchorage Devices): These small devices can help move teeth and bones with minimal invasiveness, correcting the gummy smile effectively.
• BOTOX® Treatment: Injecting BOTOX® can reduce the activity of the upper lip muscle, limiting how much the upper lip lifts and, thus, how much gum is exposed when you smile. This is a temporary solution and requires maintenance.
• Crown Lengthening with Gingivoplasty: This procedure involves reshaping the gums and bone around the teeth to expose more of the tooth’s surface, improving the gum-to-tooth ratio.

Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)

THE LEADING TREATMENT FOR GUMMY SMILES

At Palo Alto Orthodontics, we are proud to offer temporary anchorage devices (TADs) as our primary treatment for correcting gummy smiles. Dr. Jenny Yoo specializes in this advanced, minimally invasive technique, ensuring our patients receive the highest standard of care with exceptional results.

What are TADs?

Temporary Anchorage Devices, commonly known as TADs, are small titanium screws that orthodontists place in the jawbone to serve as stable anchor points for moving teeth. Unlike traditional braces, TADs provide precise control over tooth movement, making them an ideal solution for addressing complex dental issues such as a gummy smile.

How Do TADs Work for Gummy Smiles?

TADs are strategically placed in the mouth to exert controlled forces on specific teeth or jaw segments. By doing so, they can:

• Reposition Teeth and Gums: TADs help in moving the teeth and surrounding gum tissue into more aesthetically pleasing positions. This reduces the amount of gum tissue visible when you smile, creating a more balanced and attractive appearance.
• Control Jaw Movement: In cases where jaw alignment contributes to a gummy smile, TADs can assist in adjusting the position of the jaw, enhancing overall facial symmetry.
• Minimize Treatment Time: Because TADs provide direct and precise anchorage, they can significantly shorten the duration of orthodontic treatment compared to traditional methods.

The Procedure

Consultation and Planning
Dr. Yoo will begin with a comprehensive consultation to evaluate your smile and determine the best placement for the TADs. Using advanced imaging technology, we create a detailed treatment plan customized to your case.

Placement of TADs
The procedure to place TADs is quick and minimally invasive. After numbing the area, Dr. Yoo will insert the small titanium screws into the jawbone. This is typically a painless process, and most patients experience little to no discomfort.

Orthodontic Adjustments
Once the TADs are in place, they will be used to apply targeted forces to the teeth and gums. Regular adjustments will ensure the teeth and gum tissue move according to the treatment plan.

Follow-Up and Removal
After achieving the desired results, the TADs are easily removed. This is a simple procedure, leaving no significant marks or scars.

Choosing TADs at Palo Alto Orthodontics means opting for the most practical and advanced solution to correct your gummy smile. This treatment is less invasive, involves a shorter treatment duration, and avoids the need for surgery.

Benefits of Correcting a Gummy Smile

Correcting a gummy smile offers numerous benefits that go beyond just improving your appearance. Here are some of the key advantages:

• Enhanced Aesthetics
  One of the most immediate benefits of correcting a gummy smile is the improvement in the overall appearance of your smile. By reducing the amount of visible gum tissue, your teeth appear longer and more proportionate, resulting in a more attractive and balanced smile.
• Boosted Confidence
  A beautiful smile can significantly boost your self-esteem and confidence. Many patients feel self-conscious about their gummy smiles, but treatment can help you feel more comfortable and confident in social and professional settings.
• Improved Oral Health
  In some cases, excessive gum tissue can make it harder to maintain proper oral hygiene. By correcting a gummy smile, you can make brushing and flossing easier, which helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
• Better Functionality
  Correcting a gummy smile can also improve the functionality of your bite. If the gummy smile is related to jaw alignment issues, treatment can help achieve a more balanced bite, reducing the risk of wear and tear on your teeth.
• Long-Term Results
  Many of the treatments for a gummy smile offer long-lasting results. Whether through surgical or non-surgical methods, the improvements can provide enduring benefits that enhance your smile for years to come.
• Positive Psychological Impact
  A smile you’re proud of can have a positive impact on your overall well-being. Feeling good about your smile can improve your mood, reduce anxiety, and encourage you to engage more openly with others.

Book a Consultation

Dr. Jenny Yoo and the team at Palo Alto Orthodontics are here to help you achieve a beautiful, balanced smile. We specialize in correcting gummy smiles and are dedicated to providing personalized care that meets your unique needs.

Book your appointment today and start your journey to a confident, radiant smile!

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