Surveys show that most of us consider our smiles the most important physical feature, so if you’re not happy with your smile the likelihood is that this will affect the way you view your overall appearance. If you’re conscious of your smile this may also affect the way you behave around others; for example, you may feel uncomfortable smiling in public or posing for photographs. One problem a high proportion people suffer from is a gummy smile.

What is a gummy smile?

A gummy smile is a term used to describe a smile which has a large amount of gum tissue visible. This means that when you smile a large portion of the gum tissue is visible, which can make the teeth look small and the smile imbalanced.

What can be done?

If you have a gummy smile and you want to improve the aesthetic of your teeth, there are a number of options available. The most popular treatment is gum contouring, which involves reshaping the gums to make more of the crown portion of the teeth visible when you smile. This will make the teeth look larger and create a more aesthetically appealing, balanced smile.

How does gum contouring work?

Gum contouring involves trimming very small pieces of the gum to make more of the tooth crown visible. This may sound like a rather daunting prospect but the procedure is actually very quick and simple and the results are very impressive. Traditionally, scalpels were used to remove the gum tissue but they are being replaced on an increasingly regular basis by lasers, which trim the gum tissue without the need for any incisions. Lasers are very accurate and contribute to speedy healing.

Should I consider treatment?

If you have a gummy smile and it affects the way you feel about your smile or your confidence, it may be worthwhile considering gum contouring treatment. The procedure is very quick and simple and relatively inexpensive and in just a short time you will have the confidence to show off your new, beautiful smile.