If you feel embarrassed because your gums show too much when you smile, you’re definitely not alone. Many people who have a “gummy smile” feel self-conscious and avoid smiling as much as possible. Dr. Gallardo wants all his patients to have the confidence to smile and laugh with friends and family, which is why he offers cosmetic lip repositioning surgery in Miami, FL.
Traditional jaw correction can reverse an undesirable gum line. However, this is an expensive solution that requires a long recovery. Dr. Gallardo now brings his patients an innovative, cutting-edge procedure designed to reduce the unwanted appearance of the gums when smiling. Lip repositioning surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can help boost confidence for patients with a naturally gummy smile.
- Causes of a Gummy Smile
- Benefits of Lip Repositioning Surgery
- How Lip Repositioning Works
- Candidates for Gummy Smile Correction
- What to Expect During Lip Repositioning
- How To Fix a Gummy Smile Without Surgery
- Cost of Gummy Smile Surgery
- Gummy Smile Surgery Risks
- Recovery From Gummy Smile Surgery
- Lip Repositioning Surgery FAQs
Causes of a Gummy Smile
A gummy smile is a condition in which the upper lip covers more than 2 millimeters of the upper teeth when a person smiles. This can be caused by excess gum tissue and/or maxillary excess, which occurs when the maxilla is positioned too forward in relation to the lower jaw. Excess gum tissue can occur due to an abnormally thick or high position of the tissue surrounding the upper teeth, or due to the overgrowth of tissue from an underlying dental condition such as periodontal disease. Maxillary excess on its own can also cause a gummy smile by making it appear as though there is too much gum showing when smiling.
In addition to having an aesthetic effect on one’s smile, a gummy smile can also cause functional challenges such as difficulty eating and speaking properly. People with this condition may experience pain and discomfort in their jaws due to uneven contact between the teeth and gums during chewing. Some medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism, cancer treatments, and certain medications may also lead to excessive growth of gum tissue around the upper teeth, resulting in a gummy smile.
A disproportionate gum line has several causes, including an abnormal eruption of the teeth (the way the teeth grow in), too much gum tissue, hyperactive lip muscles, a short upper lip, or a large/unusually shaped jawbone. At the lip repositioning consultation, Dr. Gallardo will perform a physical examination to determine if this procedure is appropriate for the individual patient.
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Benefits of Lip Repositioning Surgery
The most important benefit of gummy smile correction is improved self-confidence. A gummy smile is not harmful to your health. However, it can cause you to feel self-conscious and affect your enjoyment of social situations.
Cosmetic treatments can be life-changing for people whose self-esteem and confidence are affected by the issue. Lip repositioning patients can finally feel free to laugh and smile without fear of how their teeth and gums look.
The surgical procedure provides the following benefits:
- Immediately improves the appearance of a ‘gummy smile’
- Creates a proportionate amount of gum, teeth, and lip
- Gives the top lip a fuller, more aesthetically pleasing look
- Requires only local anesthesia
- Provides fast recovery with little downtime
- Does not result in external scarring
- Quickly restores confidence and self-esteem
Before and After Photos
Procedure Gallery
* Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
How Lip Repositioning Works
Lip repositioning surgery offers patients the chance for a proportionate, beautiful smile. The outpatient surgery brings a harmonious balance to the beautiful teeth, lips, and gums.
Lip repositioning surgery is a simple surgical technique designed to restrict high movement of the upper lip. The surgeon removes a small amount of tissue from the upper lip to lower the lip and reduce the amount of gum tissue that will show when the patient smiles.
Surgical correction for a gummy smile is considered to be permanent. Patients should not need any additional procedures to maintain their results.
Candidates for Gummy Smile Correction
Between 10% and 25% of all adults are frustrated with the amount of gum line showing when they smile. Anyone unhappy with an excessive “gummy smile” may make a wonderful candidate for lip repositioning surgery at Gallardo Periodontics and Implant Dentistry.
Those patients considering surgery should be in overall good health and must understand both the benefits and limitations of the procedure. Prospective patients should not smoke or must be willing to quit several weeks before the surgery to ensure proper healing.
Before undergoing lip repositioning surgery, patients should provide their medical history and discuss the procedure with a dental professional.
What to Expect During Lip Repositioning
The benefits of the technique can be seen immediately
Patients can see the benefits of the technique immediately. Dr. Gallardo performs lip repositioning surgery using a local anesthetic or IV sedation.
During this procedure, the plastic surgeon will remove a strip of tissue from the inner portion of the top lip. The newly exposed area is then sutured into a lower, more aesthetically desirable position. A single procedure is all that is required. Usually, no follow-up surgeries will be necessary.
Lip surgery takes about 30–45 minutes to perform. The patient will see the results of the technique immediately. As any swelling dissipates, the results will continue to improve. Patients will have a bright, confident smile as soon as they leave Dr. Gallardo’s office.
How To Fix a Gummy Smile Without Surgery
Understandably, many patients would rather avoid gummy smile surgery altogether and often seek non-surgical options for fixing the issue. Unfortunately, very few non-surgical treatments effectively treat excessive gingival display.
A gummy smile is usually the result of a structural issue, and it is difficult to treat non-surgically. However, injectable treatments such as Botox or dermal fillers can sometimes offer temporary results for the right patient. You should have your condition assessed by a dentist who is experienced in treating a gummy smile so you can understand your treatment options.
In some cases, orthodontic treatment may help reduce the appearance of a gummy smile. This type of treatment can be used to move the teeth into proper alignment and position, which will then reduce the amount of gum tissue seen when smiling. Additionally, your doctor can use treatments in conjunction with orthodontics to further improve the appearance of a gummy smile. These include laser gum recontouring, lip repositioning surgery, and Botulinum toxin injections. Each option has its own benefits and limitations, so it is important to discuss these options with your doctor before making any decisions about treatment.
Cost of Gummy Smile Surgery
Because it is a cosmetic procedure, lip repositioning is typically not covered by insurance. If you are interested in this treatment, you will need to consider your personal financing options.
The cost of gummy smile correction varies based on region, the surgeon’s experience, and the technique that will be used. Dr. Gallardo and his staff can give you a specific quote for your desired treatment when you come in for your consultation in Miami, FL.
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- Heberto Nazario
Gummy Smile Surgery Risks
Lip repositioning surgery, also known as gummy smile surgery, is a cosmetic procedure intended to reduce the amount of gum tissue that appears when a patient smiles. While this treatment can have impressive results, the procedure still has potential risks.
The most common risk associated with gummy smile surgery is passive eruption. This occurs when the lower jaw moves forward in response to the procedure, resulting in an improper bite and misalignment of both upper and lower teeth. Passive eruption is more likely to occur in patients who have already experienced some degree of malocclusion or bad bite prior to their smile treatment.
A second potential risk involves facial muscles. During lip repositioning surgery, certain facial muscles may be weakened or damaged during the incision process. This can lead to a drooping or uneven mouth shape and an altered facial expression when smiling or speaking.
It’s important for patients considering gummy smile surgery to understand all of these risks before making any decisions about their care. An experienced dentist can answer any questions about the safety and effectiveness of this technique and provide personalized guidance for each patient’s unique situation.
Recovery From Gummy Smile Surgery
The recovery period following gummy smile surgery is typically quite short. Most patients only need a few days to recover and experience minimal discomfort throughout the process. However, it’s important to practice good oral health habits and follow your dentist’s instructions for post-operative care to ensure the best possible outcome.
Immediately following the procedure, avoid any strenuous activities that may cause excessive swelling or bleeding. Additionally, patients should drink plenty of fluids and eat soft foods for the first few days to minimize stress on their incisions.
When brushing your teeth, use extra caution around the recently sutured area. It is also important to maintain good oral hygiene practices during recovery time by brushing twice daily and flossing at least once each day. This will help keep bacteria away from the healing site and reduce the risk of infection or other complications.
In general, most patients can return to their regular lifestyle after about a week of rest and recuperation. The majority of people who undergo gummy smile surgery experience little or no pain afterward and can expect a full recovery within 10–14 days. In addition, healthy teeth are more likely to remain healthy after the procedure is complete, which can help you maintain your desired results in the long run.
Lip Repositioning Surgery FAQs
Laser gum contouring, also known as gingival reshaping, is a type of gummy smile treatment that removes excess gum tissue to create a more balanced and attractive smile. During the procedure, a dentist will use specialized tools to trim away any extra tissue, reshape the gum line, and even out any uneven surfaces. This technique can be used alone or combined with other treatments such as lip repositioning surgery if necessary. With this approach, patients can often achieve their desired aesthetic results in just one visit.
Several gummy smile treatment options are available for correcting gummy smiles, including lip repositioning surgery, gum contouring, and orthodontic treatments. Lip repositioning surgery involves making an incision in the upper lip to pull it downward and reduce the amount of exposed gum tissue. Gum contouring removes excess gum tissue through reshaping or trimming. Orthodontic treatments may also be used to move teeth into proper alignment, which can help reduce the impact of a gummy smile.
The best way to permanently fix a gummy smile is through lip repositioning surgery. This procedure involves making an incision in the upper lip and pulling it downward to reduce the amount of exposed gum tissue. Additionally, gum contouring or orthodontic treatments may be used to reshape or move teeth into proper alignment, which can further reduce the appearance of a gummy smile.
The side effects of gummy smile surgery may include swelling, bruising, bleeding, scarring, infection, and/or nerve damage. It is important to discuss any potential risks or complications with your doctor prior to undergoing the procedure. Additionally, always follow all post-operative care instructions your doctor provides to promote a successful recovery and reduce the risk of any possible side effects.
The effects of gummy smile surgery are typically long-lasting, although some patients may experience a relapse in their symptoms over time. Generally, the results of the procedure can last for many years with proper care and maintenance.
Yes, a gummy smile is considered a problem for many people because it can create an imbalance in the appearance of the teeth and mouth due to excessive gum tissue. This can detract from the overall aesthetic of a person’s smile and cause them to feel self-conscious when smiling or speaking. Fortunately, several treatment options can help correct this issue and restore balance to the face.
Unfortunately, there is no natural way to get rid of a gummy smile. However, several treatment options can help reduce the appearance of a gummy smile, including lip repositioning surgery, gum contouring, and orthodontic treatments. It is important to discuss any potential risks or complications with your doctor prior to undergoing the procedure to ensure that you understand the possible side effects. Additionally, always follow all post-operative care instructions your doctor provides to promote a successful recovery and reduce the risk of any possible side effects.
Yes, Invisalign can help reduce the appearance of gummy smiles. This orthodontic treatment works to move teeth into proper alignment and can help minimize the amount of exposed gum tissue. Additionally, other treatments such as lip repositioning surgery or gum contouring may be necessary to achieve the desired aesthetic results. It is important to discuss any potential risks or complications with your doctor prior to undergoing any gummy smile treatments.
A gummy smile can be reduced after traditional braces. Orthodontic treatment works to move teeth into proper alignment, which can help minimize the amount of exposed gum tissue. Additionally, other treatments such as lip repositioning surgery or gum contouring may be necessary to achieve the desired aesthetic results. It is important to discuss any potential risks or complications with your doctor prior to undergoing any gummy smile treatments.
If you live near Miami, FL, Gallardo Periodontics and Implant Dentistry offers gummy smile surgery among its services, and is conveniently located at 2020 SW 27th Ave Miami, FL 33145
Why choose Dr. Gallardo
- Dr. Gallardo has over 25 years of experience offering general dentistry and specialized periodontics to patients throughout South Florida.
- Graduated from the University of Miami
- Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University College of Dentistry
- Accepted into the V.A. Medical Center General Practice Residency Program of the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs where he was honored with the “Outstanding Resident of the Year” Award.
- C.A.G.S. (Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study) from Boston University
- Has lectured nationally and internationally to dentists and hygienists and has been sponsored by companies such as Procter and Gamble to speak on clinical topics related to gum disease and implant dentistry.
- Dr. Gallardo remains on the leading edge of periodontics and implant dentistry through his active and past involvement with University of Florida, Florida Association of Periodontists and North American Society of Periodontists.
Learn More about Gummy Smile Correction in Miami, FL
Everyone notices a great smile. Gummy smile correction could change the way you feel about socializing and give you the confidence you need to take on the world. With a simple procedure and easy recovery, consulting with Dr. Gallardo about lip repositioning is a smart first step in feeling great about your smile.
To get more information on Dr. Gallardo’s repositioning technique, contact Gallardo Periodontics and Implant Dentistry at 305.447.1447. Located in beautiful southern Florida, Dr. Gallardo’s office is conveniently located in Miami for an aesthetic getaway. Consultation appointments for those traveling from outside of the Miami area may be completed online.
