Excessive And Uneven Gums

Your smile is the first feature people notice upon meeting you. As a result, people often seek treatments that help them present the best smile possible.

Gum issues are not uncommon and are often the target of cosmetic procedures. A condition known as excessive gums, sometimes referred to as gummy smile, is not rare, and it can cause a person to become self-conscious about his or her smile. Luckily, however, treatments exist that are effective and can limit pain.

Below, learn more about conditions related to excessive and uneven gums, and find information about how they are treated.

What Causes Excessive Gums?

The causes of excessive gums can vary, but they are largely hereditary.

One issue can be how the teeth initially emerged from the gums. The process can sometimes pull gums outward, making teeth appear shorter. Another cause could be a person's lips. In some cases, the muscle that lifts the upper lip is hyperactive, pulling it too far upward. This issue can result in the exposure of gums beyond what is usual.

Sometimes the problem is developmental and related to the growth of your upper jawbone. If this is the case, a person's gums appear to bulge outward.

How is the Condition Treated?

If the problem is with the gum itself, excessive gums can be treated with a gum lift. This cosmetic dentistry procedure is performed to reshape and sculpt a person's gum line.

Traditionally, the procedure had been done with the use of a scalpel and stitches, and anesthesia was required. However, more periodontists and dentists are relying on laser technology. This process is considered relatively pain-free, and the healing time is much shorter.

In most cases, a gum lift patient will experience soreness for a few days. However, unlike with previous procedures, after which eating is limited to soft foods and liquids, newer techniques allow for regular eating immediately.

If the condition is caused by advanced gum disease, a gum lift will not help, and a soft tissue graft could be required. This process allows a dentist to cover an exposed root.

What About Uneven Gums?

Uneven gums are similar to excessive gums, and the cause is often the same. If a person's teeth grow in at an awkward angle, they could drag a person's gums in conflicting directions, leaving behind the appearance of uneven teeth, or teeth that are of varying sizes.

As with excessive gums, uneven gums can be treated with a gum lift or a soft tissue graft.