GumTuk™ Procedure in Sugar Land, TX
As part of a Smile Makeover, we often perform our GumTuk™ procedure to eliminate the appearance of a “Gummy Smile.”
Beautiful result of a GumTuk™ and crown lengthening.
What is a Gummy Smile?
The aesthetically ideal smile has the upper lip line laying almost exactly across the top of the upper teeth. In other words, very little of the gum tissue is visible even when you smile broadly. Many people are self-concious about this aspect of their smile.
The treatment of a gummy smile, what we call a GumTuk™, is the process by which Dr. Davis removes excess gum tissue that causes your teeth to look too short and boxy. We use a Diode Laser which gently and permanently removes the excess gum tissue that is hiding the top of the teeth. In addition, many cases need to have aesthetic crown lengthening, which is a minimally invasive microsurgery, with no visible stitches or down-time.
Finally, some of our guests have a naturally over-active upper lip that moves up too high when they smile. This exposes the gum tissue to view and is often not considered optimal. Using a simple Lip Tack procedure, we can reduce the amount that the upper lip moves to create a beautiful smile line. Guests who have had this procedure have loved their results!
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
There are many things that may cause someone to require a gingivectomy. Some of these include:
- Excessive gum tissue
- Disproportionate jaw formation
- Excessive bone tissue around the teeth
- Short upper lip
Am I A Candidate For The GumTuk™ Procedure?
When you smile, if you feel the appearance of your teeth is overshadowed by excessive gum exposure, then you could benefit from a reduction of those gums or extension of your visible teeth. For some people, this can be due to your teeth appearing too short, even though they are more likely simply covered by excessive gum tissue. Or your teeth may have shortened due to grinding. For others, it’s not a case of excess gum tissue; it’s a case of the muscle that controls your upper lip being hyperactive and causing your lip to rise up higher than normal.
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Types of gummy smile treatment at smile texas
At Smile Texas, we can correct gummy smiles due to excess gum tissue, gummy smiles that need the teeth to be somewhat longer, and gummy smiles due to hyperactive upper lip muscles. The best course of treatment will vary for each patient. Dr. Davis will discuss which treatment will be best for you during your consultation. At Smile Texas, we offer the following treatment options
- Diode laser treatment
- Aesthetic crown lengthening
- Lip tack procedure
Diode Laser Treatment
After we ascertain that the problem is the amount of gum tissue visible, we can reduce it with a diode laser. We plan out a line across your teeth where we feel the final gumline should be. After anesthetizing the gums and surrounding area, the diode then removes the excess gum tissue, instantly cauterizing and closing the incisions at the same time. Drs. Kline and Davis often perform the procedure in conjunction with all-porcelain veneers. Results are amazing and will eliminate the look of a gummy smile.
Aesthetic Crown Lengthening
If your teeth are too short from genetics or tooth wear, we perform aesthetic crown lengthening. This is a gentle surgical approach to remove excess gum tissue and set the stage for a beautiful new smile using all-porcelain veneers. These add length to your teeth, making them more proportionate to the gums. For aesthetic crown lengthening, there may also be some gum removal as discussed above.
Lip Tack Procedure
If your upper lip is to blame for your gum exposure, we perform a simple procedure known as a lip tack. After local anesthetic is administered, a set of small incisions is made in the existing tissue that connects your lip to your gums. These incisions are made entirely inside the mouth in the gums and upper lip. This is a fast, effective procedure and has little post-procedure discomfort. The result is an upper lip that sits lower on the upper teeth, covering the gums to a normal degree.
I simply cannot write enough positive things about Smile Texas. For someone that truly hated my smile/teeth, I could not be happier with the results. If you are self-conscience about your smile, do yourself a favor and setup a consultation appointment and arrive early so you can watch the lobby video for a while. You’ll see from the video they really understand how disliking your smile has an effect on you. Take the leap and you’ll join the ranks of everyone else that ‘wishes they had done it years ago.’
Are There Risks to a GumTuk™ Procedure?
These procedures have little risk. The diode laser creates a clean incision that is instantly closed. It is more sanitary than using a scalpel to cut the gums, and healing is much easier and faster. Applying porcelain veneers has little if any risk at all. Releasing an overactive upper lip muscle has a slight risk of infection, as does any surgical procedure, but this is very low.
What Are The Results Of A GumTuk™ Treatment?
Gum Tuk – Before & After
No matter the approach Drs. Kline and Davis use to address your gummy smile, your results will be beautiful. Your smile is considered to be “gummy” if 4mm or more of gum tissue is visible when you smile. Our goal is to reduce that exposed gum area to 1-2mm. You’ll feel more comfortable and confident in your smile after these treatments.
Why Choose Smile Texas
Patients choose Smile Texas because experience matters. Smile Texas has completed thousands of Smile Makeovers that include gummy smile treatment! Patients from all over Houston, Texas, the United States and the world come to Smile Texas for their Smile Makeovers. Our experience means less hassle for you. In other words, we’ll transform your smile correctly the first time and make you look and feel more attractive without any heartache. For guests on a tight schedule, we can complete a smile makeover in as little as 1 week!
What Is Considered a Gummy Smile?
A “gummy” smile refers to a mouth that appears overly exaggerated. Someone with a gummy smile has very noticeable gum tissue, and the upper lip reveals all of it when smiling. Gummy smiles can be caused by several factors, including high lip lines, short upper jaw, and excess gum tissue. Patients might be unaware of the ways in which they can treat this imbalance in the smile, but our team at Smile Texas in Sugar Land, TX, can help with injections or gum tissue contouring.
Is a Gummy Smile Unhealthy?
Some people might think that having a gummy smile is unhealthy, but this is not the case. Having generous gum tissue does not directly cause health problems and can still be treated to make you more comfortable with your smile. Your teeth and gum tissues are just as susceptible to tooth decay and periodontal disease as someone without a gummy smile. In most situations, the gummy smile is just an imperfection that might result in a consultation with a dentist to resolve.
What Are the Benefits of Treating a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile is the result of teeth that show too much gum tissue when a person smiles. If left untreated, it can cause self-consciousness and low self-esteem in some people. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available that can help improve your smile’s appearance by making it look more balanced and even. This can boost your confidence and help you in sharing your smile with others.
Am I a Good Candidate for Gummy Smile Treatments?
The best candidates for gummy smile treatment with the team at Smile Texas in Sugar Land, TX, are individuals who have excess or unbalanced gum tissue. The treatment for a gummy smile may vary. For some, the removal of excess gum tissue is a great way to reveal more of the natural tooth enamel and balance out the upper and lower part of the smile. Alternatively, some patients might benefit from Botox™ injections which are administered on the lip area to keep the upper lift from lifting when a smile occurs. This can disguise the gummy smile without oral surgery. During your consultation with our team, you can take the time to learn about each of these options so you can make an educated decision regarding which method of treatment is best and whether or not you are a good candidate for injections or oral surgery.
Can a Gummy Smile Treatment Be Combined with Other Services?
Another benefit of gummy smile treatment is that it can be combined with other services to correct cosmetic issues in addition to a gummy smile. Cosmetic dentistry options like teeth whitening, dental veneers, crowns, and bridges, or braces might all improve your smile further. During your initial evaluation with our team at Smile Texas, you can point out the various areas of the smile you would like to improve, and our team can develop a unique, customized dental plan to meet your goals. By undergoing a combination of treatments, you can achieve the beautiful, healthy smile you have always dreamed of having!
How Long Does the GumTuk™ Procedure Take?
The GumTuk™ gum contouring procedure at Smile Texas usually takes about one to two hours. The exact length varies based on the extent of the treatment required.
Your dentist will assess your specific condition during your first consultation. They’ll then provide a more accurate estimate of the time needed for your GumTuk™ appointment.
This relatively quick process can transform your smile. It delivers immediate results that are noticeable right after the treatment is completed.
Is the GumTuk™ Procedure Painful?
The GumTuk™ process is designed to be as comfortable as possible. Thanks to the use of local anesthesia, most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure itself. The anesthetic numbs the treatment area and ensures you feel little to no pain.
Some mild discomfort or tenderness is common after the appointment. However, it can generally be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Your dentist at Smile Texas will share detailed aftercare instructions to reduce any discomfort while you recover.
How Soon Can I Eat or Drink After a GumTuk™ Treatment?
After undergoing the GumTuk™ gum reshaping procedure, waiting a few hours before eating or drinking is generally recommended. This allows time for the local anesthesia to wear off completely. It also helps to avoid any accidental injury to the numb areas of your mouth.
Your dentist will give you post-treatment guidelines tailored to your situation. This will include a list of the types of foods and beverages to avoid. In most cases, patients are told to consume soft foods and avoid very hot or spicy foods for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Are There Any Side Effects of the GumTuk™ Procedure?
Like any dental procedure, the GumTuk™ treatment may have some side effects. Common side effects include:
- Mild swelling
- Tenderness
- Minor bleeding in the treated areas
These symptoms are usually temporary and should subside within a few days.
Infection is a rare but possible complication. Following your dentist’s care instructions can help prevent this issue and ensure your gums stay healthy.
If you have severe pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection, contact Smile Texas immediately for further guidance.
How Long Is the Recovery Period After a GumTuk™ Treatment?
The recovery period for the GumTuk™ procedure is relatively short. Most patients can go back to normal activities immediately. However, complete gum healing may take up to a week.
During this time, you must maintain good oral hygiene and follow the care instructions your dentist provides. Avoiding strenuous activities and being gentle with your brushing and flossing around the treated area will help to promote a smooth recovery.
Are My GumTuk™ Results Permanent?
The results of this cosmetic dentistry procedure are designed to be long-lasting. You can generally expect permanent results as long as you maintain proper oral hygiene (brushing, flossing, etc.) and see your dentist for regular cleanings.
To preserve your GumTuk™ outcomes, you should also avoid habits that could negatively impact your gums, such as smoking or neglecting oral care.
Schedule A Consultation
To learn more about gummy smile treatment or to schedule a consultation, call our Smile Texas Sugarland office at (281) 265-7645.
