The Way You Smile – OKC Patient

Does your gummy smile change the way you smile?

Why is it important to understand the relationship between your perceived smile and how you actually smile?  Smiling affects how others might perceive you, therefore, it affects social factors, self-esteem, and overall mood.  Studies have shown that smiling people are viewed to others as more truthful, approachable, and more capable. Also, people will alter their smiling patterns when they perceive their smile as unattractive due to recession, excess gingival display, and poor periodontal health.

I have previously blogged about the nuts and bolts of Gummy Smiles or Excess gingival Display , and different treatment modalities.  Recently, I treated a patient with this condition.  Initially, I noticed that the patient had modified the way she smiles to minimize the excess display of gum tissue.  When I mentioned this to her, she was unaware that she was doing this.  Also, she reported being previously treated with porcelain veneers and laser gum treatment.  The results left her with irregular gum contour due a clinically short central incisor and a unresolved gummy smile.

Small / Short Tooth

I initially treated the patient with esthetic crown lengthening, to correct the irregular gingival contour due to the central incisor.

Excess Gummy Smile

Additional treatment, included a lip repositioning procedure to reduce the amount of gum tissue displayed when the patient smiles

The patient was ecstatic about the surgical outcome and how it has reversed the way that she smiles.  This case was extremely complex due to the previous restorative treatment (veneers).  Surgical periodontal treatment should always be performed prior to any corrective restorative treatment.  In the end, we achieved a great esthetic result regardless of the misdiagnosis of the previous Dentist.  I always enjoy taking before and after treatment pictures of my patients.  Its a great way to confirm the results of the treatment, and educate my patients.

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