A "gum lip," more accurately described as a gummy smile, refers to a condition where an excessive amount of gum tissue shows when a person smiles.
This excessive display of gum tissue can be caused by several factors:
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Hyperactive Upper Lip: The upper lip muscles are too strong and lift the lip too high when smiling. The lip itself is of normal length when the face is at rest.
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Altered Passive Eruption: This occurs when teeth do not erupt fully, leaving too much gum tissue covering the tooth.
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Gingival Hypertrophy: This refers to enlarged or overgrown gums.
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Vertical Maxillary Excess: This is an overgrowth of the upper jaw (maxilla), which can make the gums bulge out.
Here's a breakdown in table format:
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Hyperactive Upper Lip | Lip lifts too high when smiling, exposing excessive gum. |
| Altered Passive Eruption | Teeth not fully erupted, leaving too much gum tissue. |
| Gingival Hypertrophy | Enlarged or overgrown gums. |
| Vertical Maxillary Excess | Overgrowth of the upper jaw causing gums to bulge. |
Treatments for a gummy smile vary depending on the cause and may include:
- Botox: To weaken the hyperactive lip muscles.
- Lip Repositioning Surgery: To limit the upward movement of the upper lip.
- Gingivectomy (Gum Contouring): To remove excess gum tissue.
- Orthognathic Surgery: To reposition the upper jaw in cases of vertical maxillary excess.
In summary, a gummy smile, or "gum lip," is characterized by excessive gum display when smiling, resulting from factors such as a hyperactive upper lip, altered passive eruption, gingival hypertrophy, or vertical maxillary excess. Treatment options are available to correct the appearance of the gummy smile.
