How can you treat gummy smiles?

Q.
Hi Dr Hughes,

I wanted some advice on the best procedure for correcting overexposure of gums (i.e. high lip line). I’ve read that this can either be corrected with gum contouring or via lip repositioning (or a procedure that limits the movement of the upper lip). I’m a lot less keen on the latter option but, in my opinion, I think that I have what might be called a moderate gummy smile.. I don’t know, a dentist would know best. I’d be happy to send you a photo to get your initial advice ahead of booking a consultation..

I wanted to know if you could explain a bit more about the different options and which would be best.

Could you also kindly tell me what the price range is for this?

Lastly, I have been living in London for year but am just about to move to Dubai for a couple of months, I will be back in the summer. If you could let me know how long the waiting list is, if there is one, I’d appreciate it.

Thanks very much for all your help in advance.

Best,

A.
There are several options to treat a gummy smile, these are
1. (simplest) Botox injections to the upper lip muscle, this prevents it from rising so high when you smile, showing less gum. This is easy to administer, but requires repeating every 4-6 months as its effect wears off
2. lip repositioning as you say – similar to the Botox for results but is permanent, you do have to bear in mind the profile of the nose as this can be affected with this.
3. gum contouring or crown lengthening – this can be with a laser or surgically depending on the amount of gum to be removed. You will probably require veneers afterwards to ‘hide’ the roots and improve the appearance of the teeth.
4. jaw repositioning – if there is a jaw / bite discrepancy
prices start from £300 for the Botox to a few thousand depending on the treatment type and whether you also require veneers or orthodontic treatment. Please feel free to send a photo to [email protected] and add in your thoughts and any other concerns about the teeth.
Thanks
Mark
Dr Mark Hughes Harley Street Dental Studio 52 Harley Street, London W1G 9PY Web: www.harleystreetdentalstudio.com Tel: 020 7636 5981 View My Profile Dr Hughes
May 10th, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Amira Says :

I have a very prominent gum and was looking to have some gum contouring. I have been quoted some prices and was wondering if at all possible you could give me a quote for both the procedure and any consultation costs.

May 24th, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Julius Says :

I am interested in having 4 veneers to my top front teeth along with gum reshaping to these. I have been to another dentist for a quote but would likea second opinion. I know it is difficult for you to advise without seeingme but are you able to let me know a rough price guide. Many thanks

May 25th, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Jeremy Says :

Hi, I live overseas but will be visiting London in June. I’d like to havegum contouring done to correct a rather slanting gum line (actually I havean occlusial cant) and was hoping if gum contouring could improve the aesthetics somehow. If you think it’s useful, I could send accross a picture sothat you can make a preliminary assessment of whether a simple contouringwould be useful in my case or not. Ideally, I’d like the procedure carriedout in one visit.

May 25th, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Lauren Says :

Dear Sir/Madam, I have taken a look at your website and am extremely interested in having a consultation for Gum Contouring and Teeth Whitening. I would like to know if it was possible to have the prices for the two procedures. Could you also inform me of how much a consultation would be? Kind Regards,

April 29th, 2013 at 08:47 PM
cathy power Says :

could I get the tooth removed if the gum is exposed and get one added on to my partial denture?

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