Can braces with extractions improve my side profile and gummy smile?

Doctor's Answers 1

It is difficult for us to commit to the diagnosis of the skeletal profile without tracing the lateral cephalomogram that you have provided for us.

But from the general profile, you have a slightly longer mid-face with procumbent front teeth. With the help of orthodontics (aligners / conventional braces), the retraction of the splayed front teeth may help to reduce the fullness of the soft tissue, and thereby reduce the prominence of the bimaxillary profile.

However seeing as how the amount of front teeth show is quite prominent, the gummy smile will not be adequately masked. Typically, bi-maxillary protrusion of similar presentations may require surgical intervention to correct the vertical excess.

It would be best to seek a consultation so that your doctor is able to understand your treatment expectation.

Similar Questions

How can orthodontics, i.e. braces and aligners, help to alter the anatomy of my smile?

The anatomy of the smile takes into account of the: Face Lips Jaws Size Shapes Colour Position of teeth But, most importantly is what the patient actually wants to see. In the right cases and with the right conditions, braces and aligners are an excellent treatment choice, however, they can only alter the position of teeth. Braces and aligners straighten teeth helps by shifting them to a more pleasing arrangement. The ultimate goal is to attain straight teeth.

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Answered By

Dr Kevin Ong

Dentist

What are the possible treatments available to achieve a gummy smile or excessive gingival display?

A gummy smile as you correctly described is one in which there is excessive show of the upper gums during smiling. This can be caused by dental issues, overactive facial muscles or thin lips. The main culprit when we talk about overactive/strong facial muscles is the LLSAN (Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi). This muscle lifts the upper lip and also helps you scrunch the nose up. To correct the gummy smile, one would use botulinum toxin to target the inferior portion of the muscle (just adjacent to the nostril) to weaken it temporarily.

Photo of Dr Mark Lim Weixiang

Answered By

Dr Mark Lim Weixiang

Aesthetic

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