A “gummy” smile is a common problem reported to cosmetic dentists. Some patients also come to our Harley Street clinic complaining that their teeth are too short. In most cases their teeth are in fact standard length, but are covered by excess gum tissue. Our skilled team of dental specialists have helped many patients to improve their confidence in their smile by removing excess gum tissue to eliminate gummy smiles for good.
What is a gum lift?
Every year many patients at our Harley Street clinic undergo a treatment known as a gum lift – also sometimes referred to as gum reshaping – to get rid of excess gum tissue and expose more of their teeth, to help create a more even appearance to the gum line. This boosts both the aesthetic appearance of the smile and the patient’s self-confidence.
How treatment works
When you come into our Harley Street dental clinic for a consultation with a cosmetic dentist, they will examine you and will explain the various treatment options available to improve the appearance of a gummy smile.
In many cases it is possible for your cosmetic dentist to remove excess gum tissue painlessly with a laser. As well as being painless, a major advantage of laser gum treatment is that you will be able to see the results straight away.
For cases where more extensive treatment is required, you may need dental surgery to remove excess gum tissue or bone. We have a skilled team of maxillofacial surgeons here at our Harley Street clinic, meaning that all your treatment can be carried out here in the comfort of our modern dental practice.
There is very little down time after a gum lift. You may experience some swelling or redness post procedure, for which we will prescribe anaesthesia. Your cosmetic dentist will discuss the down time associated with surgery at your initial consultation.