TOWNIE TREATMENT CASE CASE STUDY Gummy Smile Treatment With Aligners BY DR. TREVOR NICHOLS A gummy smile is characterized by the excessive display of gum tissue when a person smiles. While various dental and skeletal factors may contribute to the appearance of a gummy smile, there is also a genetic component involved. The genetic factors related to a gummy smile can be broadly categorized into dental and facial components: Tooth size and shape * Hyperactive upper lip muscles. These may cause the upper lip to lift higher than usual during a smile, exposing more gum tissue. * Shorter teeth. People with genetically shorter teeth may be more prone to displaying excess gum tissue when smiling. Skeletal component * Maxillary vertical excess. If there is an excessive vertical development of the maxilla, it can result in a gummy smile as more of the gums become visible when smiling. Soft-tissue components * Lip length and mobility. A shorter upper lip or increased mobility may contribute to a gummy smile. * Gingival tissue thickness. Thicker gingival tissue can contribute to a gummy smile by covering more of the teeth. Other genetic influences * Imbalance in facial musculature. * Abormal craniofacial growth patterns. It's important to note that while genetic factors contribute to the predisposition for a gummy smile, environmental and developmental If you've got a case you think might be a great Townie Treatment Case, email Orthotown editor Sam Mittelsteadt: sam@farranmedia.com. Be sure to include a sentence that sums up why the case is so special to you, to help us review and select the best contenders for publication. APRIL 2024 | 22 | ORTHOTOWN.COMhttp://www.ORTHOTOWN.COM