An aesthetic smile is not only defined by healthy, well-aligned, white, and radiant teeth but also by the surrounding gum tissue, which should be light pink, firm, and ideally no more than 2mm visible when smiling. With the increasing demand for aesthetic smile design treatments in recent years, it has become evident that not only teeth but also gums often require revisions. As a result, “pink aesthetic” procedures have gained popularity.
These procedures are typically performed using lasers, making them bloodless, painless, and quick.
The impact of gum tissue problems on smile aesthetics can be illustrated in several ways.
Gummy smile refers to the condition where the gum tissue is visible by more than 2mm when smiling. This condition can have various causes, including:
-Hypertonic muscle structure in the upper lip tissue,
-Gum overgrowth (which may be due to gum disease or certain medications),
-Skeletal positioning of the upper jaw,
-Shortness of the visible crown portion of the teeth.
The above are some of the most common causes of gummy smile.
The treatment for gummy smile is determined based on its underlying cause:
If the issue is related to the upper lip, Botox applications can yield highly successful results.
For gum overgrowth or excessive coverage of teeth by gums, crown lengthening procedures are performed. If there is inflammation in the gums, primary gum treatments are applied to address the condition.
In cases involving skeletal issues related to the upper jawbone, surgical options may be considered depending on the severity of the problem.
Apart from gummy smile, conditions such as nicotine stains on the gum surface and asymmetrical gum levels in the anterior teeth are situations where pink aesthetics are required.
These procedures, performed using lasers, are carried out under local anesthesia and do not cause significant pain or discomfort post-operation. Regular dental check-ups every six months are recommended to evaluate the condition after the procedures.
