Gummy Smile Treatment – Gum Contouring Near Croydon, Surrey

Explore the Benefits of Dermal Fillers at It’s Me and You Clinic

Understanding Gummy Smile

A **gummy smile** occurs when excessive gum tissue is visible when an individual smiles.

This can give the appearance that more gum than usual is showing, potentially making the teeth appear smaller or altering the balance of the smile.

Gummy Smile Treatment - Gum Contouring near Croydon, Surrey

Several factors can contribute to a gummy smile, including:

* **Genetics:** Some individuals are genetically predisposed to having a higher gingival line (the edge of the gums).

Contact Us
It’s Me and You Clinic – Anti-Wrinkle, Dermal Filler and Skincare Clinic, Kingston, Surrey
Phone: +447754339478

50 Canbury Park Rd
Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom KT2 6LX

* **Increased upper lip muscle tone:** The muscles that control the upper lip may be overly active, pulling the lip upward and revealing more gum.

* **Short teeth:** Teeth that are shorter than average can contribute to a gummy smile because there is less tooth structure visible when smiling.

* **Bone loss:** Loss of bone supporting the teeth can cause the gums to recede, exposing more gum tissue.

* **Habitual habits:** Chronic thumb sucking or tongue thrusting can also affect gum height and contribute to a gummy smile.

The appearance of a gummy smile can be both cosmetic and functional, potentially affecting self-esteem and making speech difficult in some cases.

A gummy smile is a dental condition where excess gum tissue is visible when you smile, giving the appearance that your gums are taking up more space than your teeth.

Gummy Smile Treatment - Gum Contouring near Croydon, Surrey

While some degree of gingival display is normal during smiling, a gummy smile occurs when this display is excessive and can make an individual self-conscious about their smile.

There are several potential causes for a gummy smile:

  • Excessive Upper Lip Elevation: This is the most common cause, where the upper lip rises too high when smiling, exposing more gum tissue.

  • Short Teeth Roots: Teeth with short roots can appear shorter overall, leading to more gum display.

  • Overgrown Gums (Gingival Hyperplasia): This occurs when the gums grow too thick or voluminous, covering more of the teeth than normal.

  • Habitual Gum Chewing or Tongue Thrust:** Regularly chewing on your gums or pushing your tongue against your front teeth during speech can contribute to gum recession and exposure.

  • Genetics: A gummy smile can be hereditary, passed down from family members.

  • Underlying Medical Conditions: In rare cases, a gummy smile may be associated with medical conditions like hormonal imbalances or certain medications.

Understanding the cause of your gummy smile is crucial for effective treatment. Consult a dentist or orthodontist to discuss your specific situation and explore suitable options.

A gummy smile occurs when excessive gum tissue is visible when you smile, making your teeth appear smaller or even hidden.

Several factors can contribute to a gummy smile, including genetics, where your gums are naturally higher, overactive lip muscles, misaligned teeth, and certain medications.

If you’re unhappy with your gummy smile and want to achieve a more balanced and confident smile, gum contouring might be the right solution for you.

Gum contouring is a minimally invasive cosmetic dental procedure that reshapes the gum line by removing excess tissue.

During the procedure, a dentist or periodontist uses a laser or scalpel to carefully trim the gums to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Recovery from gum contouring is generally quick and comfortable.

You may experience some mild swelling and tenderness for a few days, but most people can return to their normal activities shortly after the procedure.

To determine if you are a candidate for gum contouring, it’s best to consult with a qualified dental professional. They will evaluate your smile, assess the underlying causes of your gummy smile, and discuss your goals to create a personalized treatment plan.

They will consider factors like the amount of gum tissue that needs to be removed, the shape of your teeth, and your overall oral health.

Gum contouring can effectively improve the appearance of a gummy smile, enhance the symmetry of your smile, and boost your confidence.

The Procedure: Gum Contouring

Gum contouring is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to reshape and recontour the gums for a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.

It addresses concerns such as a **gummy smile** where excessive gum tissue is visible when smiling, creating an imbalance in the appearance of teeth.

During gum contouring, a dentist or periodontist carefully removes excess gum tissue using a surgical laser or scalpel. This precise removal sculpts and smooths the gum line, creating a more proportionate display of teeth.

The procedure typically involves local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort throughout the treatment. Once completed, the gums may feel slightly tender and swollen for a few days but this is usually temporary.

**Benefits of Gum Contouring:**

  • More balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile

  • Improved tooth proportions and appearance

  • Enhanced confidence in smiling

  • Correction of a **gummy smile**

  • Improved oral hygiene by creating smoother gum lines for easier cleaning

It’s important to note that gum contouring is not suitable for everyone. Individuals with underlying gum disease or other dental conditions may need to address those issues first before considering this procedure.

Consulting with a qualified dentist or periodontist is crucial to determine if you are a good candidate for gum contouring and to discuss your specific expectations and goals for the treatment.

Gum contouring is a cosmetic dental procedure that reshapes and recontours the gum line to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.

A gummy smile occurs when excessive gum tissue is exposed when smiling, making the teeth appear smaller or disproportionate.

Gum contouring corrects this by selectively removing excess gum tissue, revealing more of the natural tooth structure.

The procedure can also be used to address other gum-related concerns, such as:

  • Asymmetrical gum line
  • Gingival recession (where the gums pull back, exposing more of the tooth root)
  • Uneven gum heights between teeth

Benefits of Gum Contouring near Croydon

Gum contouring offers a range of benefits for individuals seeking to improve their smile aesthetics:

  1. Enhanced Smile Appearance: The procedure creates a more balanced and symmetrical gum line, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the smile.
  2. Improved Tooth Proportion: By revealing more of the natural tooth structure, gum contouring can make teeth appear longer and more proportional.
  3. Contact Dr. Laura Geige to Discover Anti-Wrinkle Treatment Benefits

  4. Increased Confidence: A beautiful smile can boost self-esteem and confidence in social interactions.
  5. Improved Oral Health: By addressing uneven gum heights or gum recession, gum contouring can improve oral hygiene and reduce the risk of dental problems.

If you’re considering gum contouring near Croydon, consult with an experienced cosmetic dentist. They will assess your individual needs and determine if this procedure is right for you.

Gum contouring is a cosmetic dental procedure that reshapes the gums to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile. This can involve removing excess gum tissue, repositioning the gums to cover more or less of the tooth root, or both.

A “gummy smile” occurs when too much gum tissue is visible when someone smiles, often making the teeth appear smaller than they are. Gum contouring can address this issue by reducing the amount of gum tissue that shows, creating a more proportionate and harmonious smile.

Modern dentistry offers minimally invasive techniques for gum contouring, resulting in faster healing, less discomfort, and reduced risk of complications. These procedures typically involve using a laser or a surgical tool called a dental scalpel to carefully reshape the gums.

Laser gum contouring utilizes a concentrated beam of light energy to precisely remove excess gum tissue. Lasers are highly precise and minimize bleeding and swelling, leading to quicker healing times. Additionally, they can sterilize the area as they work, reducing the risk of infection.

Traditional gum contouring may involve using a dental scalpel or other surgical tools to reshape the gums. While still considered minimally invasive, this technique generally requires a longer recovery period compared to laser gum contouring.

After the procedure, patients are typically instructed to apply cold compresses to reduce swelling and take over-the-counter pain medication as needed. It’s important to follow post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize any potential complications.

Gum contouring is generally a safe and effective procedure when performed by an experienced and qualified dental professional. The results can significantly enhance the appearance of a smile, boosting confidence and self-esteem.

Aftercare and Results

Aftercare for gum contouring is crucial for ensuring optimal healing and achieving the desired aesthetic outcome.

Your dentist will provide specific post-procedure instructions tailored to your individual needs, but generally, you should expect:

Immediate Post-Procedure:

– You might experience some bleeding, swelling, and sensitivity for the first few days. Your dentist may prescribe medication to manage pain and inflammation.

– Avoid rinsing vigorously or using a mouthwash with alcohol, as this can irritate the surgical sites.

– Stick to soft foods that are easy to chew and avoid any crunchy or spicy foods.

– Do not smoke or use tobacco products, as nicotine can hinder healing.

Days to Weeks Following Surgery:

– Continue with gentle oral hygiene practices, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush carefully around the treated areas, avoiding direct pressure on the surgical sites.

– Your dentist may recommend warm salt water rinses to promote healing and reduce inflammation. Follow their instructions carefully.

– Avoid using straws or sucking on hard candies, as this can create suction that can dislodge blood clots.

Long-Term Aftercare:

– Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease, which could affect the results of your treatment.

– Attend regular dental checkups and cleanings as recommended by your dentist. This will help monitor the health of your gums and ensure your smile remains beautiful.

**Results:**

Gum contouring can take several weeks to show its full effects, as swelling subsides and gum tissue heals.

Once healed, you can expect to see a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile. Your gums will be reshaped to appear less prominent, enhancing the proportions of your teeth and creating a more natural-looking gum line.

It can also improve the appearance of discolored teeth by exposing more tooth enamel.

Long-term maintenance is essential to preserve these results. Following your dentist’s post-procedure instructions diligently and maintaining good oral hygiene will contribute to a lasting, beautiful smile.

Aftercare instructions following gum contouring are crucial for optimal healing and a successful outcome. Your dentist will provide specific guidelines tailored to your individual case, but generally, expect the following:

Get in Contact with Dr. Laura Geige at It’s Me and You Clinic Now

Initial Days:

• **Rest:** Avoid strenuous activity and allow yourself ample time to recover.

• **Ice Packs:** Applying ice packs to the outside of your cheeks can help reduce swelling.

• **Soft Foods:** Stick to a soft food diet for a few days, avoiding anything spicy, crunchy, or acidic.

• **Oral Hygiene:** Gently brush and floss around the treated area, taking extra care not to disturb the surgical site. Your dentist may recommend using a special mouthwash.

Healing Process:

• **Swelling and Discomfort:** Some swelling and discomfort are normal in the first few days, gradually subsiding over the following week.

• **Bleeding:** Minimal bleeding may occur, usually manageable with gauze pads.

• **Stitches/Bandages:** If stitches were used, they will dissolve on their own or be removed by your dentist after a week or two.

Returning to Normal:

Most patients can return to their normal activities within a week. Full healing can take several weeks, and it may be a few months before you see the final results of your gum contouring procedure.

Expected Recovery Time: 7-10 days for initial discomfort, 2-4 weeks for swelling to subside, several months for full healing and aesthetic results.


Aftercare following a gummy smile treatment, often performed through gum contouring surgery, is crucial for optimal healing and long-term results. It involves specific guidelines to minimize discomfort, prevent infection, and promote tissue regeneration.

Immediately after the procedure, you’ll likely experience some swelling, tenderness, and mild bleeding. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on managing these side effects, which may include rinsing with saltwater solution, taking pain medication as prescribed, and applying ice packs to reduce inflammation.

During the initial healing phase, it’s essential to avoid strenuous activity, smoking, and touching the surgical site excessively. Gentle brushing and flossing are permitted once cleared by your surgeon, but be sure to use a soft-bristled brush and avoid irritating the gums.

Follow-up appointments with your dentist or oral surgeon are crucial for monitoring healing progress and addressing any concerns. They’ll assess the surgical site, remove sutures if necessary, and provide ongoing instructions on proper oral hygiene.

Long-term results of gummy smile treatment generally prove to be quite satisfactory. Gum contouring effectively recontours the gums, revealing more of the natural tooth structure and creating a balanced, aesthetically pleasing smile.

However, maintaining the desired outcome requires continued diligence with oral hygiene practices. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups help prevent gum disease, which can lead to recession and altered gum contours over time.

In some cases, minor touch-up procedures might be needed to address slight changes in gum appearance. This ensures that the smile remains consistently balanced and harmonious with your facial features.

Audrey’s JL Press on Honey Alkhemist LA Electric Youth Magazine

James Carter