Basic methods of gum smile correction

In the previous article, we considered the signs, main causes and mechanism of development of a gingival (gingival) smile.

In this article on estet-portal.com read about modern correction methods gingival smile, as well as to whom and when it is needed.

The presence of a gingival smile can sometimes be manifested by some symptoms and sensations, both physical and psychological.

If the gingival smile is the result of excessive vertical growth of the upper jaw, then patients may be disturbed by lips not closing and at rest.

• Main complaints and symptoms in the presence of a gingival smile
• What methods are used to diagnose a gingival smile
• Basic methods of gum smile correctionki

Main complaints and symptoms in the presence of a gingival smile

Complaints may include enlargement of the lower third of the face.

Approximately 75% of cases of gingival smile may complain of retrusion of the upper incisors, i.e. tilting of the crowns into the oral cavity. 

If the cause of the gingival smile is gingival hyperplasia, gingival bleeding may develop when brushing teeth and the presence of a feeling of swelling of the gingival tissue.

Gummy smile is a cosmetic defect that can cause psychological problems.

In addition, a gingival smile can be a symptom of hyperfunction of mimic muscles, as well as a cause of disturbance of the structure of the facial skeleton.

Sometimes, a gingival smile can lead to a decrease in masticatory function, which provokes diseases of the temporomandibular joint and the gastrointestinal tract. If the cause is gum hyperplasia, then if the diagnosis is not timely, periodontitis may develop, which can lead to tooth loss.

As a rule, a gingival smile is not a pathology that can lead to complications.

Correction of such a condition is carried out if it causes severe psychological discomfort to the patient, and he wants to lose itth.

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What methods are used to diagnose a gingival smile

Diagnosis of the gingival smile is carried out by the dentist at the usual appointment, as well as before the correction in order to choose the method of correction.

For this patient, the patient is asked to smile broadly while looking for additional problems or abnormalities, such as malocclusion.

The methods for diagnosing a gingival smile include:

• Photography.

They take pictures in different projections, in some cases they use an intraoral mirror.

This photo protocol is made to evaluate the results of treatment or for the purpose of presentation to patients.

• External examination and interrogation.

The patient is asked to smile broadly, assessing how uncomfortable the state of his oral cavity and smile is for the patient, whether he has complexes because of his problem, whether he wants to fix it.

• Impression taking.

The impression is a negative and accurate impression of the dentition and mucosa.

It is obtained from silicone or alginate masses.

Used for casting plaster models and planning orthodontic treatment.

• X-ray examination.

Before surgical treatment, teleroentgenography, CT scan, orthopantomography are performed, according to which the state of bone tissue and teeth, joints of the upper jaw and sinus are assessed, angularc and linear dimensions are calculated.

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Basic methods for correcting a gingival smile

Gingival smile correction can be performed by dentists, dentists andplastic surgeons.

In clinical dentistry, there are 3 directions in the correction of gingival smile.

It is surgical, cosmetic and orthodontic.

• Orthodontic treatment.

It is not uncommon for a gingival smile to be accompanied by an overbite.

To correct such a violation, with incomplete bone growth, use orthodontic apparatus "facial arch", or bracket system.

Then the upper anterior incisors move backward and the gum tissue becomes less visible.

Bracket systems are also used in case of excessive teething for their insertion together with the surrounding gum into the bone tissue.

• Surgical treatment.

If the patient has a high upper jaw and is at an age when facial growth is complete, then Le Fort maxillary osteotomy I.

In this method, the upper jaw is shortened.

An incision is made in the oral cavity at the level of the pear-shaped notch, if necessary, excess gingival tissues are excised (in case of a hyperplastic process or slow migration of gingival tissue). 

In some cases, the frenulum of the upper lip is corrected (frenuloplasty) to further increase the filtrum.

It is also possible to perform surgery on the orbicular muscle with massages to reduce hyperfunction and reposition the vestibule.

• Cosmetological methods.

The levator nasi is injected with botulinum toxin to correct the increased function of the striated muscles.

Botulinum toxin is a muscle relaxant. After that, the normal contractile function of mimic muscles returns, and the exposure of the gum tissue when the lips move upwards becomes normal.

It is also possible to injectable lip augmentation by injecting a special gel.

The increase in lip volume results in a longer upper lip and less gingival exposure.

To prevent a gum smile, it is necessary to regular visits to the dentist and to the orthodontist from childhood in order to detect defects, problems and anomalies.

Pregnant women should avoid factors that may affect the development of the baby's skeletal system.

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