Gummy Smile Treatment
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At McCawley Center for Laser Periodontics and Implants, we understand how something as simple as a gummy smile can impact how you feel about your appearance.
When too much gum tissue overshadows your teeth, it can disrupt the natural balance of your smile and your confidence.
If you are self-conscious about a smile that shows more gum than tooth, we can help. We offer minimally invasive laser treatment that gently removes excess tissue and reveals more of your natural teeth, often in a single visit.
We offer gummy smile treatment at our periodontal office in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
What Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile, or excessive gingival display, occurs when too much gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth when you smile.
A gummy smile can make your teeth appear short, boxy, or stubby, even if they are perfectly healthy.
Common Causes of a Gummy Smile
A gummy appearance can result from several underlying issues:
- Excess gum tissue growing over the teeth, often caused by inflammation or genetics.
- Orthodontic treatment that shifts the position of the gums, especially common after braces.
- Certain medications, such as amlodipine, trigger gum overgrowth or hyperplasia.
- Overactive upper lip muscles that lift too high during a smile.
- Maxillary excess, which is the overgrowth of the upper jawbone.
- Abnormal tooth eruption, where the teeth don’t fully emerge from the gumline.
- Passive eruption occurs when teeth remain partially covered by gum tissue even though fully developed.
Laser Treatment for Gummy Smiles
Forget scalpels, sutures, or long recoveries. We use advanced dental lasers to gently remove excess gum tissue and sculpt your gum line with microscopic precision. We had the first periodontal laser in the country in 1991.
Our team knows exactly how much natural tooth should show for a well-balanced, attractive smile. We determine the ideal proportions for your teeth using precise measurements and aesthetic guidelines.
With the help of advanced laser tools, we gently remove the extra gum tissue. Each tooth is carefully sculpted to reveal its ideal size and shape for the most beautiful smile possible.
Laser technology also allows us to:
- Target inflamed or overgrown soft tissues without harming surrounding areas
- Minimize bleeding and swelling
- Avoid stitches or cutting
- Reduce downtime, with most patients returning to daily activities the next day.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
Your gummy smile treatment is designed to be precise, comfortable, and minimally invasive from start to finish.
Here’s what you can expect at each step of the process:
- Exam: We measure your gingival exposure and determine the ideal proportions for your natural teeth.
- Laser reshaping: The procedure is performed under local anesthesia or mild sedation, depending on your preference. We gently remove excess gum tissue to sculpt your perfect smile.
- Minimal downtime: Most patients return to normal activities within 24 hours. A soft diet and antiseptic rinses are usually recommended for a few days.
Is This the Same as Crown Lengthening?
Yes, laser gummy smile treatment is a type of aesthetic crown lengthening, but with a modern, minimally invasive approach.
Traditional crown lengthening often requires removing gum tissue and underlying bone using scalpels and sutures. This surgical procedure can be effective but typically comes with more discomfort, longer healing time, and visible gum recession.
Advanced dental lasers reshape only the excess gum tissue in most cases, with no cutting, stitches, and virtually no downtime. Our laser-based technique exposes the right amount of natural tooth structure for an ideal gum-to-tooth ratio, with far less trauma and a faster return to your routine.
Life-Changing Transformations
Case Studies
Why Choose McCawley for Gummy Smile Treatment?
- Pioneers in Laser Dentistry: We were the first in the U.S. to introduce the Nd:YAG laser for periodontal care, and no one has more experience worldwide.
- Microscopic Diagnosis: We use phase-contrast microscopes to identify underlying bacterial causes that could be contributing to gum inflammation or gum disease.
- Clinical Expertise: Drs. Tom and Mark McCawley are internationally recognized leaders in laser periodontics and teach other dental professionals nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we use minimally invasive laser technology to correct a gummy smile without traditional surgery. Our advanced laser technology gently removes excess gum tissue without cutting or stitches.
A gummy smile won’t typically resolve on its own. In some cases, inflammation may come and go, especially if linked to poor oral hygiene or certain medications. However, most causes, like passive eruption, maxillary excess, or excess gum tissue, require a targeted treatment plan to correct.
The best treatment depends on the cause, but laser aesthetic crown lengthening is the ideal solution for most patients. It’s precise, fast-healing, and far less invasive than traditional options.
Most patients report minimal discomfort, and over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient.
You’ll likely feel back to normal within a day or two.
No, we remove only the extra gum tissue that isn’t meant to be there. With good oral hygiene, results are long-lasting.
Yes, a gummy appearance after orthodontic treatment is extremely common. Laser contouring is often the perfect follow-up to braces.
Schedule Your Consultation in Ft. Lauderdale Today!
At the McCawley Center for Laser Periodontics & Implants, our gum treatments are designed to restore a healthy smile and the confidence that comes with it.
If you are looking for a solution to a gummy smile, Dr. Tom McCawley and Dr. Mark McCawley offer advanced laser treatment backed by over 50 years of combined experience. With a commitment to minimally invasive care and a passion for restoring confidence, this father-son team has helped thousands of patients feel proud of their smiles again.
To book an appointment at our periodontal office in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, call (954) 807-4829 or visit us at 800 East Broward Blvd #706 Fort Lauderdale, FL.
