January 3, 2022 | Facial Aesthetics

How Surgical Gum Lifts Can Restore Your Confident Smile

BOOK NOW

Smiling is a nonverbal method of communication. A smile can let others know so much about you. However, if you’ve got a gummy smile, you may not want to show it off.

But there’s no need to miss out on showing the world when you’re happy. At The London Smile Clinic, we have a range of treatment options that will restore the confidence you have in your beautiful smile.

One of the most effective ways to correct a gummy smile is to have a surgical gum lift. This relatively simple cosmetic procedure can dramatically enhance the balance of your gums.

Let’s take a look at this procedure in more detail.

What Is a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile is one where your gums appear disproportionately large in comparison to your teeth. In many cases, a smile may appear gummy when your lips sit too high, revealing more of your gum line.

There are several potential causes of gummy smiles. These include:

Genetics—The size and shape of your gums may run in your family.
Gingival hyperplasia—This is when your gum tissue becomes enlarged. The condition can be brought on as a side effect of certain medications.
Maxillary excess—This is when your jaw is overgrown.
A hyperactive lip muscle—If your upper lip rises too high, it can expose your gums.

The good news is that gummy smiles can be addressed by having a surgical gum lift.

What Can You Expect From a Surgical Gum Lift?

As with any cosmetic treatment carried out at The London Smile Clinic, the process will start with an initial consultation. During this appointment, we’ll talk to you about your teeth, your gums, and any insecurities you may have about your smile.

We’ll then take some images of your teeth and gums so that we can carefully plan the treatment you’ll receive.

When it comes to carrying out the surgical gum lift, we’ll decide on how much gum we’ll be removing. We’ll let you know, so you’ll have an idea of what your gums and smile will look like after treatment.

Under local anaesthetic, we’ll carefully begin reshaping the gums. This will be skilfully carried out by our expert cosmetic dentist, Dr. Tim Bradstock-Smith.

Recovering From a Surgical Gum Lift

Recovery time is relatively short for a surgical gum lift; however, we recommend that you take it easy for the rest of the day that you have the procedure.

If you do experience any discomfort, this can typically be addressed with over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen. Aspirin should be avoided, as it may cause bleeding.

For the first few days following surgery, try to eat soft foods and avoid anything that is spicy or that has seeds.

What Other Treatment Options Complement Surgical Gum Lifts?

An alternative to a surgical gum lift is to have laser treatment. This achieves the same results.

To complement your surgical gum lift, you may want to consider veneers or composite bonding. These treatment options will restore the balance in your smile by reshaping your teeth.

Where the positioning of your lip exposes too much of your gum line, Botox injections can be used. These will need to be readministered every three to four months.

Learn More About Surgical Gum Lifts

To learn more about surgical gum lifts and find out whether you’re a suitable candidate, get in touch today.

What our patients say

Hilary

Bonnie is the best dental hygienist, very gentle and effective!

Karmen

We have had an impeccable experience with the London Smile Clinic. We had orthodontics for our teenage children and their care was delivered with professionalism, warmth and personal attention. Special thanks to Dee who always went out of her way to find appointments for us while we lived out of town, greeted us with warmth and kindness, shared useful information...

Ali

Anna Blazewska is an incredibly lovely, caring, and professional asset to The London Smile Clinic. I feel very lucky to have her looking after me during my teeth alignment process.

Atiya

I had the best care and treatment in the London Smile Clinic. I was shopping around for Invisalign treatment for a very long time I and was very nervous about it. I saw Dr Joe Bansal for treatment including Invisalign and Teeth Whitening and Joe has truly given me such an amazing transformation. Joe’s professionalism and work is of high standard. Joe has given me personalised treatments and has listened to my concerns and what I wanted. He even used composite binding just so I could be extra pleased with my smile. Very one at the London Smile Clinic has been so kind and helpful and always greeting me so kindly. I am so happy with the treatment I have received and can’t wait to re-visit for a check up in 6 months.

Liz

To say I'm absolutely "over the moon" with the results of my new Smile is an understatement. I received a gum lift veneers a crown and teeth whitening for my lower teeth. I am totally blown away with the results and can't believe how natural yet beautiful my new Smile looks. The professionalism, cosmetic dentistry, attention to detail and the entire staff at this clinic are incredible. My dentist Tim Bradstock-Smith is a genius and perfectionist. Don't waste your precious time looking for anywhere else if you are looking for a cosmetic dental practice with class distinction.

Jeff

I’ve been a very satisfied patient of London Smile Clinic for 20 years now. The quality of their work is outstanding, but the most important reason I keep going back is their genuine care and understanding of me as a nervous patient. Everyone - Tim, Kristelle, Dawn, and the whole team - makes me feel welcome every time. Highly recommended.

Glen

If I could give these guys 6 stars I would! This is the second time I've been treated by Tim and his team, the first being a brand new smile 17 years ago which was & has been amazing until this year which is the first time I have had a problem. 17 years! It's a testament to the quality of work they produce. Earlier this year, one of my front teeth broke at the root meaning an implant & crown was required. Everybody involved has been outstanding from Joe who performed the Emergency temporary repair and Zacki who performed the Extraction, all the way through to Emma and the rest of the admin team; not forgetting Tim himself who's attention to detail is the same today as it was 17 years ago! Your smile is the first thing people notice, you can do no better then the London Smile Clinic. First Class, Well done.

Matthew

The team at the London Smile Clinic are always friendly, efficient & professional. I had veneers fitted by Tim over 15-years ago. They have lasted & look as good now as they did back then. Very happy with the service & product.