Ans. A gummy smile is excessive gingival display. In this when the person smiles the gum looks prominent and teeth size looks very small. The cause of gummy smile may be genetic or can also be result of some medications.

There are several treatment options available in cosmetic dentistry for correcting the gummy smile and restoring balance in gum and teeth proportions.

Gingivectomy: This procedure is also called as gum contouring surgery. This procedure is done by using either laser or scalpel to reshape the excess gum covering the teeth surface.

Crown lengthening: In this treatment excess gum tissues and underline bone is cut and reshaped, so that the full size of teeth exposed.

Lip repositioning: This is a simple and safe surgical procedure used by best cosmetic dentists in Mumbai to reduce the appearance of extra gums on teeth. This procedure is used in case of a short lip or hyper mobile upper lip. This procedure is done under local anaesthesia, to remove the connective tissues of upper lip, and it results restriction of ‘elevator’ muscle. This way when you smile the gums are not very visible.

Orthognathic surgery: In this treatment ‘jaw line’ correction (re-contouring the upper jaw and secure in the proper position) is done through the surgery, under general anaesthesia and with hospital stay. Because it is more surgical procedure, one should consult the orthodontist as well as maxillofacial surgeon.

Botox: It is the short-term way to correct the gummy smile. A less invasive procedure, in which Botox is injected into the lip, which results temporary paralysis of elevator muscles controlling the lip movement. It has to be repeated every 2-3 months.