While the type of cosmetic dentistry treatment for a ‘gummy smile’ may vary per dentist, 54% of the dentists surveyed do provide this service for their dental patients.

“We discuss lip repositioning which is surgical correction, or Botox,which is a short-term fix. If appropriate, we recommend esthetic crown lengthening or gingivectomy,” said one dentist.

In this survey where The Wealthy Dentist asked if dentists are offering treatment specifically for gummy smile reduction, only 35% don’t offer gummy smile reduction.  Another 11% offer other alternatives.

Of the 54% of dentists who answered yes to offering gummy smile reduction, we also asked their preferred treatment.  Here are some of their comments on treatments:

• “We offer gingivoplasty as treatment.” (Illinois dentist)
• “We give our patients the option of a modified widman flap.” (Misouri dentist)
• “Our preferred treatment utilizes computer imaging and a “gum lift” which is often is followed by longer crowns or veneers.” (New York periodontist)
• “We recommend Botox to drop upper lip.” (General dentist)
• “The treatment involves a gingivectomy and contouring.” (Oklahoma dentist)
• “We offer a soft tissue laser for only soft tissue cases.  If they need bone reduction we send them to a periodontist. ” (Kentucky dentist)
• “We perform laser tissue re-contouring.” (General dentist)
• “Treatment depends on whether it is ‘delayed’ passive or active eruption and the osseous crest level: CEJ. It’s either a gingivectomy or flap with osseous.” (Arizona periodontist)

To read more on this survey see: Dentists provide ‘gummy smile’ treatments for their dental patients