Gummy Smile Treatment in Turkey
What is Gummy Smile?
The phenomenon of excessive gum visibility under the upper lip is called a Gummy Smile. From an aesthetic perspective, excessive gum exposure is not considered a desirable aesthetic approach. Ideally, during a smile, the upper lip should be limited to the zenith points indicated in the images below, covering the healthy gingival papilla and aligning with healthy teeth. Therefore, if the upper lip's boundary during smiling ends at least 2 mm above a straight line drawn parallel to the ground level from the zenith points of the central teeth, a Gummy Smile will occur.
Although a Gummy Smile is a common condition, it is not pathological. It is merely a factor affecting smile harmony. It is observed in 10.5-29% of young adults and is more frequently seen in women.
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Causes of Gummy Smile
The causes of a Gummy Smile can be listed as follows. These factors can be seen individually or in combination:
- Abnormally delayed (passive) tooth eruption
- Excessive eruption of maxillary anterior teeth (upper jaw front group teeth)
- Hyperfunction of lip elevator muscles, particularly the levator labii superioris (LLS), levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN), and zygomaticus minor (ZMi), which join the side of the nasal wing
- Excessive vertical growth of the upper jaw bone can lead to a Gummy Smile
- Insufficient or short upper lip
Causes of Gummy Smile
The causes of a Gummy Smile can be listed as follows. These factors can be seen individually or in combination:
- Abnormally delayed (passive) tooth eruption
- Excessive eruption of maxillary anterior teeth (upper jaw front group teeth)
- Hyperfunction of lip elevator muscles, particularly the levator labii superioris (LLS), levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN), and zygomaticus minor (ZMi), which join the side of the nasal wing
- Excessive vertical growth of the upper jaw bone can lead to a Gummy Smile
- Insufficient or short upper lip
Gummy Smile Treatment
To achieve the desired outcome in Gummy Smile treatments, the treatment method chosen depends on whether the condition is symmetrical/asymmetrical and the volume of visible gum tissue. These treatment methods can also be used in combination. Treatment methods include:
- Orthodontics: In this method, teeth are intruded using orthodontic force. This can be achieved with a bracket/wire system or with clear aligners like Invisalign.
- Orthognathic Surgery: If the excessive vertical growth of the upper jaw is the cause, gum tissue intervention alone cannot correct the Gummy Smile. In such cases, orthognathic surgery is performed to reduce the height of the upper jaw and eliminate the Gummy Smile.
- Laser Application: In this method, the gum tissue is reshaped using a dental laser and volumetrically reduced. This reduces visibility during smiling. The laser procedure utilizes photonic energy, and through photoablation, gum tissue trimming/incision is performed. Laser application ensures a more comfortable process both during and after the procedure.
- Conventional Surgery (Gingivectomy): In this procedure, conventional surgical techniques are used. The planned amount of gum tissue is removed using an appropriate scalpel tip or electrocautery.
- Botox Application: In this method, Botox (botulinum toxin A) is injected into the hyperactive muscles of the upper lip. This limits the movement of the muscle group that lifts the upper lip during smiling, reducing the upward movement of the upper lip. It should be noted that Botox applications typically last around six months.
- Micro-Autologous Fat Transplantation (MAFT): In this technique, an autogenous fat graft obtained from the patient is injected into the adhesion site of the muscle bundle that moves the upper lip upwards, similar to the Botox application. Since the patient’s own fat tissue is used, there is no risk of allergic reaction, and the long-term effectiveness of MAFT makes it a popular application in maxillofacial treatments.
Advantages of Gummy Smile Treatment
- Provides a confident, aesthetic smile for the patient.
- According to some studies, Gummy Smile treatment is important for gum health and can reduce the likelihood of potential gum diseases. The presence of a Gummy Smile, especially in individuals who breathe through their mouths during sleep, increases the likelihood of gum disease.
- Gummy Smile treatment enhances the success of prosthetic and cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Advantages of Gummy Smile Treatment
- Provides a confident, aesthetic smile for the patient.
- According to some studies, Gummy Smile treatment is important for gum health and can reduce the likelihood of potential gum diseases. The presence of a Gummy Smile, especially in individuals who breathe through their mouths during sleep, increases the likelihood of gum disease.
- Gummy Smile treatment enhances the success of prosthetic and cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Why Choose Turkey for Gummy Smile Treatment?
- Compared to European and American countries, medical and treatment costs in Turkey are more affordable, making Turkey an advantageous destination for our valued patients seeking Gummy Smile treatments.
- Quick and effective solutions are easily accessible.
- The treatment is carried out with effective and state-of-the-art medical devices.
- Our expert and experienced physicians perform atraumatic interventions, ensuring short healing periods.
Why Choose Turkey for Gummy Smile Treatment?
- Compared to European and American countries, medical and treatment costs in Turkey are more affordable, making Turkey an advantageous destination for our valued patients seeking Gummy Smile treatments.
- Quick and effective solutions are easily accessible.
- The treatment is carried out with effective and state-of-the-art medical devices.
- Our expert and experienced physicians perform atraumatic interventions, ensuring short healing periods.
No. This is a painless procedure. Additionally, since the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, the patient does not experience any pain during the procedure. Moreover, any post-operative pain is minimal and can be easily managed with painkillers, ensuring patient comfort. Orthognathic surgery (for severe Gummy Smile cases and excessive vertical maxillary growth) is performed under general anesthesia, and post-operative pain and swelling are minimized with medical support to ensure patient comfort.
