Non-Surgical Lip Repositioning vs. Surgical Repositioning to Fix Gummy Smiles

Can I Treat a Gummy Smile?

What if there was an option to reduce the appearance of excess gum tissue? What if we could minimize how much of your gums showed when you smiled? Thankfully, there’s a minimally invasive, quick and painless solution in Los Angeles. At the Center for Advanced Periodontal and Implant Therapy, we can help fix your gummy smile and get you back to smiling whenever and wherever you want! You can trust our team to take care of you and your oral health needs.

What is a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile is often when there is an excess of gum tissue (“gingiva”) exposed when you smile. Clinically speaking, our Los Angeles dentists will refer to this as “excessive gingival display.” This smile characteristic can look like your teeth are smaller and shorter than they really are, and leave you with a lot of gum tissue showing when you smile. For some people, a gummy smile can detract from their naturally beautify, healthy teeth. That’s why gummy smile treatment in Los Angeles is an effective solution for people with this concern.

How to Treat a Gummy Smile (Los Angeles)

The first step in assessing your gummy smile should always be a consultation with a gum specialist, also known as a periodontist. At the Center for Advanced Periodontal and Implant Therapy you can be sure Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky have extensive expertise in periodontal conditions and soft tissue procedures. As gum experts, we can conduct a thorough examination to discuss the best options available to treat a gummy smile and what is best for you and your individual smile needs and goals. Today we are going to review the two most popular procedures that are performed by Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky to reduce the appearance of a gummy smile. This will include both non-surgical and surgical options, what you can expect from the procedures, and why these particular treatments are recommended.

Non-surgical Lip Repositioning with Botox

A non-surgical approach with botox to treate a gummy smile is a great way to address the aesthetics of your smile with a minimally invasive technique!  This procedure is often for those with a gummy smile due to a hyperactive upper lip muscle. When your lip tenses too much, it can show more gum tissue than you like. By relaxing the lip muscle, you can naturally have a more symmetrical smile line. You may have heard of using Botox for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and while it does a great job for your skin appearance it also does a great job in treating a gummy smile.  Botox is a safe non-surgical injectable toxin that minimizes muscle movements by blocking nerve signals. Because nerve signals are blocked your lip muscle will not contract as much, allowing it to rest lower down on your smile line. Botox medication can be administered in precise areas under your upper lip to reduce the hyperactive contraction of muscles. This results in a more relaxed upper lip line, leaving less gingiva that’s visible when you smile.  While results are non-surgical and can last several months, they are not permanent. Botox must be maintained; while maintenance can vary significantly from one person to the next, it usually needs to be repeated every 6-12 months.  Non-surgical lip repositioning is a fantastic option if you qualify for Botox in Los Angeles and are looking to approach your gummy smile with a minimally invasive treatment. 

Surgical Lip Repositioning in Los Angeles

While the idea of surgery might make you feel a little nervous, rest assured this gummy smile surgery is minimally invasive as well! Since Botox doesn’t work for everyone, the need for gummy smile surgery will completely depend on the individual.  In some patients, their natural anatomy where your lip sits in relation to their teeth is too dramatic or “high” to adjust with Botox alone. It can also be due to hyperactive muscles in the lip area or elongation in their face. These scenarios are when surgical repositing of their lip can be a great option. The key is to start with a consultation with our Los Angeles gummy smile experts to see which treatment is best for your specific smile.  Unlike Botox, surgical lip repositioning is a permanent fix to your gummy smile. It is truly a one and done treatment! If you’re someone who has used Botox for gummy smile needs in the past but it didn’t work well for you, lip repositioning surgery is a great alternative.  During lip repositioning surgery, two small pieces of tissue are removed to prevent excessive movement in your lip whenever you smile. Inner upper lip tissue is then re-attached to a lower portion of the gums, which will result in less visible gingiva when you smile! Recovery time for lip repositioning surgery is minimal, and the procedure is quick, comfortable, and provides long lasting results! You can be confident in our team of Los Angeles periodontists to provide the best care for your aesthetic concerns.

Which Gummy Smile Treatment is Best for Me?

If you’ve ever wondered what can be done to erase your gummy smile—and you’re tired of feeling self-conscious about it—we’re here to help!  If you’re looking for gummy smile treatment in Los Angeles, our periodontists have the expertise and qualifications to address your gummy smile concerns and help you achieve confidence in a beautiful appearance you want.  Call the Center for Advanced Periodontal and Implant Therapy today to schedule a consultation with our talented periodontists. Flexible payment options are available!

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