Since your smile is the first thing people notice about you, you want to make sure it looks its best–which can make having a gummy smile, or excessive gingival display, embarrassing. You might feel so self-conscious about it that you want to hide your smile, which is something no one should have to feel. You know that orthodontic treatment can correct misaligned teeth and jaw issues, but can it fix a gummy smile? The good news is, yes!
Can Braces Cause a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile is technically defined as a smile with more than 2mm of gums showing above and below your teeth. Often this is caused by genetics–your mom had a gummy smile, her mom had a gummy smile, and so on. This condition is more prevalent in women, with around 10% of the population of 20- to 30-year-olds having a gummy smile.While having a gummy smile doesn’t cause any dental issues, it can make people feel insecure
So, can having braces lead to a gummy smile? Yes, but with proper oral hygiene, this won’t be an issue. If you have braces and don’t brush well, this can lead to bacteria and plaque build-up, which in turn can lead to gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to gum enlargement, either temporarily due to swelling or permanently due to gingival hyperplasia. But, as previously mentioned, brushing and flossing your teeth regularly while wearing braces should help you avoid this complication.
Can Invisalign Fix a Gummy Smile?
Invisalign is a relatively unobtrusive way to fix excessive gum lines. Unlike braces, Invisalign trays are clear and can be removed, so you can continue to eat and drink your favorite things. And since they are clear, they aren’t as visible to others around you, which can help make you feel more comfortable with the treatment.
Invisalign works best for gummy smiles caused by an overbite, which makes your gums more prominent. Over time, the Invisalign trays will bring your teeth and jaw into alignment, making your gums less visible when you smile.
How Long Does It Take?
The key to Invisalign treatment is that it works slowly over time, so treating your gummy smile with Invisalign trays will take a long-term commitment. When looking at the treatment as a whole, the length of time depends on how much of your unwanted gum line is showing. The more gum that is showing, the longer it will take to correct the issue. Total treatment time could be anywhere from 10 months to two years. While this may seem like a long time, the end result is worth the time commitment. And remember: unlike braces, Invisalign trays are removable and clear. This makes the treatment less invasive than standard metal braces.
If you’ve been thinking about correcting your gummy smile, there is no better time to schedule a free consultation with Smith Orthodontics. We will put together the perfect treatment plan for you, so you can finally have that perfect smile.
