While a glimpse of the gumline during a smile is cute, excessive gingival display is often considered undesirable. Commonly referred to as a gummy smile, a disproportionate exposure of gum can result from an under/over developed jaw or high lip position. This flash of pink is an embarrassment to many, and can eventually result in a loss of self-confidence. Traditional jaw correction has been used to reverse an undesirable gumline; however this can be expensive and requires a long recovery.
Gummy Smile Correction through Lip Repositioning:
Dr. Gallardo now brings his patients an innovative, cutting-edge procedure designed to reduce the unwanted appearance of the gums. Lip repositioning surgery, available at Gallardo Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, offers patients the chance for a proportionate, beautiful smile. The outpatient surgery brings a harmonious balance to the teeth, lips, and gums; restoring confidence in the appearance once again.
Benefits of Lip Repositioning at Gallardo Periodontics and Implant Dentistry:
- Immediately improves the appearance of a ‘gummy smile’
- Creates a proportionate amount of gum, teeth, and lip
- Gives the top lip a fuller, more aesthetical pleasing look
- Requires only local anesthesia
- Fast recovery with little downtime
- Does not result in external scarring
- Quickly restores confidence and self-esteem
Who will make a good candidate for the lip repositioning procedure?
Between 10% and 25% of all adults are frustrated with the amount of gumline showing when they smile. Anyone unhappy with an excessive ‘gummy smile’ may make a wonderful candidate for the lip repositioning procedure at Gallardo Periodontics and Implant Dentistry. Those patients considering surgery should be in overall good health, and understand the benefits/limitations of the lip repositioning procedure.
Classifications of Gumline Exposure:
- 1-3mm gingival display
- 4-6mm gingival display
- 7+mm gingival display
There are several causes of a disproportionate gumline, including an abnormal eruption of the teeth, hyperactive lip muscles, and a large or unusually shaped jawbone. At the lip repositioning consultation, Dr. Gallardo will perform a physical examination to determine if this procedure will be right for an individual’s aesthetic needs.
The Lip Repositioning Procedure:
The lip repositioning procedure is a simple surgical technique designed to restrict high movement of the upper lip. Dr. Gallardo will perform his lip repositioning procedure using a local anesthetic or IV sedation. During this procedure, he 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 repositioning takes about 30-45 minutes to perform. The benefits of the technique can be seen immediately. As any swelling dissipates, the results will continue to improve. Patients will see a bright, confident smile as soon as they leave Dr. Gallardo’s office.
Lip Repositioning in Miami:
To get more information on Dr. Gallardo’s lip repositioning technique, contact Gallardo Periodontics and Implant Dentistry at 305.447.1447. Located in beautiful southern Florida, Dr. Gallardo’s office is conveniently located for an aesthetic get-a-way. Consultation appointments are complimentary, and for those traveling from outside of the Miami area, may be completed online.
Lip Repositioning FAQ:
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Am I a good candidate for the lip repositioning procedure with Dr. Gallardo?
If you are unhappy with the amount of gumline your upper lip reveals when smiling, and you are in overall good health, then lip repositioning may be for you.
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Will my lip lowering results look natural?
Yes, Dr. Gallardo’s innovative method for lip repositioning will leave the face with an attractive, organic look. The top lip will not look stiff or unnatural.
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Is the lip repositioning procedure with Dr. Gallardo better than traditional orthognathic surgery?
Orthognathic surgery, also known as jaw surgery, is a more invasive and extensive procedure than lip repositioning. Jaw surgery therefore holds greater risk for complications to occur. Lip repositioning, used to treat a gummy smile, is faster, has a shorter recovery time, and costs less than traditional jaw surgery.
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How long does the lip repositioning procedure take?
Dr. Gallardo’s lip repositioning procedure normally involves local anesthesia or IV sedation, and takes less than an hour to perform.
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What are the potential complications associated with lip repositioning?
As with any surgical procedure, lip repositioning hold the risk of complications to occur, such as bleeding, infection, and scarring. However, Dr. Gallardo’s cutting-edge lip repositioning procedure is one of the safest and most sought after aesthetic treatments for a gummy smile.