If you feel like your smile exposes too much of your gums for your liking, it's important to understand your treatment options. Some times, a "gummy" smile (also known as an excessive gingival display) only has cosmetic implications and won't affect your smile. However, it's possible that the extra gum tissue can contribute to the formation of gum disease. In some situations, an improper bite or structural malformations in your mouth can cause your smile to display more gum tissue than it normally would.

It's important to see a dentist to determine if you simply have a large amount of gum tissue or if there are underlying causes affecting your smile. Here are a few ways you can improve the appearance of a gummy smile. 

1. Undergo a Procedure to Remove the Extra Gum Tissue

If your smile is affected primarily due to an excessive amount of gum tissue, you can undergo a surgical procedure that removes this extra tissue. The best procedure will depend on your preferences, the specifics concerning your mouth, and your budget. It's possible to use laser surgery to eradicate the extra gum tissue. After your dentist removes the extra tissue, they will clean away any plaque that was hiding in or around the teeth.

Another option is electrosurgery. Electrosurgery uses an electrical current to rid your mouth of excessive amounts of gum tissue.

2. Adjust the Placement of Your Upper Lip

Your dentist may feel like you have a healthy amount of gum tissue and that there are no existing dangers to your oral health. Some patients have an upper lip that's positioned in a way that shows more gum tissue than the average individual. If you find yourself in this category, you can have surgery that adjusts the placement of your upper lip. The goal is to move the lip slightly downward so that less gum tissue shows when you smile.

3. Have Your Teeth Fitted for Braces

One reason that your smile may appear as if you have a disproportionate amount of gum tissue is that your teeth are not positioned correctly. Improving the positioning of your teeth is an effective way to promote a more aesthetically pleasing ratio of gums to teeth. Braces are a commonly used option to reposition your teeth and improve the positioning of your jaw.

If you don't feel comfortable wearing traditional metal braces, there are alternatives that are less conspicuous. Clear braces or see-through aligners that change the look of your smile are not as noticeable as their metal counterparts. 

Reach out to a clinic such as Naas Family Dentistry to learn more.