A beautiful and balanced smile can light up a room and boost your confidence in every social interaction. However, if you feel self-conscious that you’re showing too much gum tissue when you smile, you’re not alone. Many people in Paramus and the surrounding areas struggle with what’s commonly called a “gummy smile,” where excessive gum tissue becomes visible above the teeth when smiling or speaking.
At Advanced Periodontics of New Jersey, our Paramus periodontists recognize how a gummy smile can impact your confidence and overall quality of life. Dr. Matei and Dr. Peto bring their extensive training and experience to help Paramus residents achieve the balanced, harmonious smile they’ve always wanted through advanced gummy smile treatment options.
Understanding Gummy Smile Conditions
A gummy smile occurs when more than 2-3 millimeters of gum tissue is noticeable above your upper teeth when you smile. Research indicates that about 10% of the population between the ages of 20 and 30 has a gummy smile, which is more prevalent in women. This condition can result from several factors, including:
- Excessive growth of gum tissue
- Teeth that appear shorter than normal
- An overactive upper lip
- Issues with jaw development
The good news is that modern periodontal techniques offer practical solutions for correcting gummy smiles. Many of our Paramus patients are surprised to learn that gummy smile treatment is often more straightforward than they initially thought. During your consultation, Dr. Matei and Dr. Peto will carefully evaluate your unique situation to identify the underlying cause of your gummy smile and suggest the most appropriate treatment approach.
The causes of gummy smiles can vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals may have genetically inherited larger gum tissues, while others may have experienced changes due to certain medications or hormonal fluctuations. Understanding the primary cause is vital for developing an effective plan of action that addresses your specific needs.
Advanced Treatment Options
Our practice offers several proven methods for treating gummy smiles, each tailored to address specific underlying causes. Laser gum contouring is one of our most popular approaches, utilizing precise laser technology to remove surplus gum tissue and reshape the gum line. This minimally invasive procedure typically requires minimal downtime and provides immediately visible results.
The laser gum contouring procedure offers numerous advantages over traditional surgical methods. The precision of laser technology allows Dr. Matei and Dr. Peto to sculpt your gum line with exceptional accuracy, creating a more proportionate appearance between your teeth and gums. The laser also helps minimize bleeding during the procedure and promotes faster healing afterward.
For patients whose gummy smile is the result of excessive muscle activity, we may recommend treatments that help relax the muscles responsible for pulling the upper lip too high. Crown lengthening procedures can also be highly effective when teeth appear too short in relation to the surrounding gum tissue. This approach involves carefully extracting excess gum tissue and, in some cases, small amounts of bone to expose more of the tooth surface.
The Science Behind Gummy Smile Treatment
Modern gummy smile treatment relies on an in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy and the delicate balance between teeth, gums, and facial muscles. Dr. Matei and Dr. Peto approach each case with careful consideration of how changes to the gum line will affect your overall facial harmony and smile aesthetics.
The golden ratio of dental aesthetics suggests that the ideal smile shows approximately 1-2 millimeters of gum tissue above the upper teeth. When this proportion is disrupted, it can create an unbalanced appearance that attracts attention away from your teeth. Our treatments focus on restoring this natural balance while maintaining the health and function of your gums.
Digital imaging technology allows us to show Paramus patients a preview of their future results before beginning treatment. This technology helps ensure that you’re entirely comfortable with your treatment plan and have realistic expectations about the outcome.
The Treatment Experience
Your journey toward a more confident and uniform smile begins with a complete consultation, where we’ll discuss your concerns, examine your smile, and outline your treatment options. We believe in thoroughly educating our patients, so you understand precisely what to expect throughout the process.
During your initial visit, Dr. Matei and Dr. Peto will conduct an in-depth assessment of your gums, teeth, and facial structure. They may take photographs and measurements to document your current situation and help plan your treatment. This thorough assessment ensures that we address all factors contributing to your gummy smile.
Most gummy smile treatments can be completed comfortably in our office using local anesthesia. Our state-of-the-art technology, including laser systems, allows for precise treatment with minimal discomfort. Many patients are surprised at how quickly they can see results and return to their normal activities.
The actual treatment time fluctuates depending on the extent of correction needed, but most procedures can be completed in a single appointment lasting one to two hours. Dr. Matei and Dr. Peto will work methodically to reshape your gum line, taking care to maintain symmetry and create the most natural-looking results possible.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery varies depending on the specific treatment approach, but most patients experience only mild discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. We’ll provide detailed post-treatment instructions to ensure optimal healing and results.
Following your gummy smile treatment, you can expect some initial swelling and tenderness in the treated area. This is perfectly normal and typically fades within a few days. Most Paramus patients find that they can return to work and normal activities the day after their procedure, though we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for the first week.
Proper oral hygiene becomes especially important during the healing process. Dr. Matei and Dr. Peto will provide specific guidelines on how to care for your gums while they heal, including recommendations for gentle cleaning techniques and mouth rinses that promote healing.
Contact Advanced Periodontics of New Jersey
Don’t let a gummy smile hold you back from expressing yourself with confidence. Dr. Matei, Dr. Peto, and our experienced team are here to help you achieve the beautiful, balanced smile you deserve. Our convenient location makes it easy for Paramus residents to access the highest quality periodontal care.
We invite you to discover how gummy smile treatment can not only revive your appearance but also boost your confidence. Call us today at (201) 940-7002 or contact us online to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward your ideal smile.