Gummy smile treatment
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A more confident smile with our smile makeover.
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Resolve gummy smiles with our Smile Makeover
A beautiful smile is a combination of aesthetics and perception. Although it varies from individual to individual, a smile is usually perceived as ‘gummy’ when the gum tissue shows too much, or is over-prominent in comparison with the size of the teeth.
Gummy smile treatment is a procedure that helps those who feel self-conscious because of their gummy smile, to smile with confidence.
What is gummy smile treatment?
There are two treatment options for gummy smiles: surgical and non-surgical methods.
Treatment can be short-term, or can last for years.
What is involved in gummy smile treatment?
Not only does cosmetic dentistry help you to regain your confidence by achieving your desired smile, some of them have restorative properties that will benefit your quality of life as well. Cosmetic benefits will follow the functional aspects naturally, and your beautiful teeth will reflect your inner well-being.
Our dental specialist/ dentist will find out the details of your medical and dental history, go through a consultation and examination, and take a digital X-ray of your teeth to enable a thorough and detailed diagnosis to ascertain if you are suitable for gummy smile treatment. Thereafter our dentists will discuss with you to recommend the most appropriate solution for your needs.
Surgical Method
Crown lengthening is a procedure which adjusts excessive gum tissue and the underlying bone to expose more of the tooth’s surface. In certain cases, crown lengthening may be combined with crowns or veneers to achieve the ideal proportion of teeth to gums.
Gummy smiles caused by a prominent upper jaw, excessive vertical growth of upper jaw bone (vertical maxillary excess), or prominent positioning of one’s upper front teeth may require braces, crowns or jaw surgeries. There are also cases where lip surgeries may be required.
Non-Surgical Method
Another cause of gummy smiles is hyperactive lip muscles. These hyperactive lip muscles causes the upper lip to rise higher than normal when smiling, showing more gum. In such cases, 10 minute procedure consisting of a few tiny injections can be used.
In the injections are natural, purified protein.
First, the area will be numbed with an anaesthetic cream prior to injecting. Next, the protein injection is injected into the upper lip, weakening it so that the elevation of the upper lip is reduced. Dosage is adjusted upon an assessment of your condition. Some individuals require more while others may require lesser to obtain an optimal result.
After complete recovery, it is essential to maintain your new smile just like your own natural smile. With a proper home care oral regime and regular professional maintenance every 6 months, the result of a surgical method of treatment will last for years.
For protein injections, the effects of each session will last up to 4 months.
Gummy smile treatment fees
Wondering if Medisave can be used for this procedure?
Yes you can. If you are a Singaporean or a permanent resident of Singapore, Medisave may be utilised for the surgical component of dental implant treatment.
For more details on Medisave coverage, please visit our Medisave Page.
Other fees
Protein injections and crown lengthening can be done using local anaesthesia. However, you may also choose to do the crown lengthening procedure under sedation or general anaesthesia.
For sedation; there will be an additional fee for an Anaesthesiologist to administer the sedation, which is about SGD$900 – SGD$1,0000 per hour.
For general anaesthesia, besides the fees for an Anaesthesiologist, operating theatre costs and admissions cost into the hospital may be incurred.
Meet our dental specialists & dentist in Singapore
Our fully trained team is dedicated to keeping that brilliant smile of yours ever glowing.
Frequently asked questions
What are the types of gummy smile treatment?
There are both surgical and non-surgical treatments. Our specialists/ dental surgeons will recommend and customise the most appropriate procedure for you, based on your dental condition and your needs.
What is crown lengthening surgery?
Crown lengthening surgery is a procedure which adjusts excessive gum tissue and the underlying bone to expose more of the tooth’s surface. This method of treatment will last for years.
In certain cases, crown lengthening may be combined with other types of treatment to achieve the ideal proportion of teeth to gums.
Crown lengthening takes about one hour to complete and the stitches are removed after one week.
If crowns are indicated, then there is a waiting period of about 1-3 months before the final crowns are attached.
Where braces and/or jaw surgery are required, the treatment period will take longer, depending on the individual’s dental condition.
Proper maintenance and professional follow-up will be essential for successful long term treatment outcomes.
How is gummy smile treated non-surgically?
To treat the hyperactive muscle of the upper lip, a non-surgical method via protein injections can be used.
This is a 10 minute procedure consisting of a few tiny injections.
The sensation is akin to an ant bite, and slight bruising at an injection site may occur for some. It will take three days for the injections to begin taking effect and the elevation of the upper lip is progressively weakened. In about seven days, full results where your smile will show less gum will be seen.
This treatment has minimal down-time and improvement is gradual. One is able to return to normal activities on the day of the treatment.
