01
Minimally Invasive
Considered a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Afterward, you may experience minor soreness or swelling.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
GummySmileSurgery
with Dr. Nathan Eberle
A small upper-lip implant rebalances the gum-to-tooth ratio so your smile looks proportioned and confident. Minimally invasive, under an hour, with most patients back to work the next day.
Overview
What Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile is a term used to describe a smile in which there is an excessive amount of gum showing between the upper lip and the upper row of teeth. A smile looks proportioned when the upper lip sits just above the top row of teeth, revealing barely any gum tissue. A gummy smile reveals an excessive amount of gum tissue and creates a noticeably disproportionate gum-to-tooth ratio. About 15 percent of Americans are affected by gummy smiles. The condition is especially common among women and younger people. During gummy smile surgery, a small implant is used to reposition the upper lip, producing a more balanced gum-to-tooth ratio when you smile.
Benefits
Benefits of Cosmetic Gum Surgery to Treat a Gummy Smile
A gummy smile can be a source of social embarrassment that can actually prevent some people from smiling and laughing regularly. Surgical correction is a simple procedure (or set of procedures) that helps patients feel more relaxed about smiling and laughing in public, less self-conscious, and more willing to enjoy themselves socially. After gummy smile surgery, you won’t want to stop smiling.
Candidacy
Is Gummy Smile Surgery Right for Me?
If you are concerned about how much gum shows when you smile, gummy smile surgery may be right for you. Even the most profound gummy smiles can be corrected through surgery, transforming your smile into one you can feel confident showing off. This technique can be performed on most adults who are in good overall health and who do not have any severe dental health issues.
The Procedure
How Involved Is the Gummy Smile Procedure?
The upper-lip implant procedure requires local anesthesia with sedation and can usually be completed in under an hour, a brief surgical procedure. During the surgery, a small incision inside the nose enables the insertion of a silicone implant. Its purpose is to decrease the retractions of the upper lip, so less gum tissue shows when you smile.
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia with sedation.
Time
Under one hour.
Incision
Small incision inside the nose.
Implant
Silicone implant placed to decrease upper lip retraction.
Recovery
How Long Is the Recovery After Gummy Smile Surgery?
Four Phases
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Comfort During Recovery
You may find it uncomfortable to eat or talk for a few days, and more comfortable to avoid moving your mouth.
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Back to Work
Patients are generally back to work the next day, though some take a couple of days off, particularly if their job involves extensive talking.
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Full Re-Animation
It takes several weeks for full re-animation of the upper lip when you smile.
Pricing
How Much Does the Gummy Smile Procedure Cost?
The cost of gummy smile surgery depends on the extent of surgical work being done. During your consultation, Dr. Eberle will discuss specifics, giving you a clear sense of the investment. Financing is available.
Next Step
What Should I Do Next?
Looking for a surgical fix for your gummy smile in the Fort Lauderdale and Broward County area? Contact double board-certified plastic surgeon Nathan Eberle, M.D., D.D.S., F.A.C.S. at Weston Center for Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation.
Our Procedures
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