The Smile Clinic Paris has become The Madeleine Dental Practice.
The smile is a central element of non-verbal communication. It is a facial expression that reflects emotions and influences social interactions. Thus, a beautiful smile contributes to overall facial aesthetics and self-perception. However, certain characteristics can alter this expression. This is particularly the case with the gummy smile, which is characterized by excessive exposure of the gums when smiling.
At the Madeleine Dental Practice, our expert practitioners in aesthetic dentistry leverage cutting-edge technology and a personalized approach to redefine the aesthetics of your smile and help restore your confidence.
A gummy smile is defined by the exposure of more than three millimeters of upper gum when smiling. It is not a pathology but an anatomical characteristic that can result from several distinct or combined factors.
The classification of this phenomenon can vary depending on the extent of the exposure:
This condition affects around 10% of the population, with a slightly higher prevalence among women (14%) than men (7%).
A gummy smile often arises from the complex combination of dental, gingival, muscular, and skeletal elements:
This complexity underscores the need for a thorough and integrated evaluation, often involving several specialists, to ensure an effective and lasting correction.
A gummy smile is a common aesthetic concern, with causes that can be varied and combined. A precise and comprehensive diagnosis allows for the identification of the specific origins and the selection of the appropriate treatment.
This technique is particularly indicated in cases of hyperactivity of the upper lip elevating muscle. The treatment consists of targeted and precise injections that reduce muscle contraction, thereby limiting the upward movement of the lip when smiling. The non-invasive procedure is performed without anesthesia. The results, visible after a few days, offer a reversible effect lasting approximately 6 months, making it an excellent way to preview the benefits of a more permanent solution.
A personalized consultation allows for the analysis of individual needs and the establishment of a tailored plan. The diagnosis, conducted by a dentist or maxillofacial surgeon, includes a clinical examination, measurement of the gum-tooth ratio, and a dynamic analysis of the smile. In complex cases, X-rays or a profile tele-radiograph may be necessary to assess excess vertical growth of the jaw. The evaluation covers periodontal, dental, alveolar, skeletal, and lip-related factors. The identified cause conditions the choice of the most suitable therapeutic technique. A detailed estimate is then provided to validate the care plan.
Orthodontic treatments, particularly mini-screw assisted dental intrusion, help correct the gummy smile linked to dental misalignment. Intrusion slightly shifts the teeth inward (an average of 2 mm), thanks to temporary mini-screws placed under local anesthesia using a gel, generally avoiding injections. However, this procedure remains limited, and comprehensive orthodontic treatment requires 12 to 24 months.
The gingivectomy removes excess gum to expose the tooth, while the gingivoplasty sculpts the gum line for aesthetic contouring. Performed under local anesthesia, these procedures (scalpel, electrosurgery, or laser) last 30 to 60 minutes. The results are lasting, with healing occurring in a few weeks. Bleeding, swelling, or sensitivity may occur but are generally transient.
This minimally invasive procedure involves incising the inner surface of the upper lip to lower it and limit its elevation when smiling. Performed under local anesthesia, this outpatient technique uses absorbable sutures, with moderate swelling and pain managed by simple analgesics. The result is visible immediately but is fully appreciated after 3 weeks. The effects last several years, or even permanently for mild cases. Complications are rare: bruising, discomfort, or transient mucocele.
This maxillofacial surgery addresses gummy smiles due to excessive vertical growth of the upper jaw or severe malocclusion. It permanently corrects skeletal imbalances that orthodontics alone cannot treat. After orthodontic preparation, the surgeon repositions the jaw through invisible intraoral incisions, sometimes in conjunction with the lower jaw. Hospitalization generally lasts 36 hours, and complete recovery may take several months, with a soft diet and functional rest. The results are permanent, but the risk of numbness, infection, or aesthetic changes requires rigorous planning and multidisciplinary care.
The Madeleine Dental Practice stands out for its personalized approach to correcting gummy smiles. From the first consultation, a comprehensive clinical examination is performed, combined with high-precision 3D imaging and digital smile simulation. This step allows visualization of the expected result and anticipating the different phases of treatment.
Our multidisciplinary team brings together aesthetic dentists, periodontists, and orthodontists, all trained in the latest techniques. Each treatment is tailored according to its level of invasiveness, recovery duration, cost, and durability. From temporary solutions to long-lasting surgical interventions, under local anesthesia, we ensure customized support based on your needs and preferences.
Our dental practice offers a pleasant and secure environment, conducive to performing your procedure with complete confidence.
Schedule an appointment for a personalized consultation. We will establish an accurate diagnosis, answer all your questions, and provide you with a tailored treatment plan.
Procedures are conducted to minimize discomfort. Injections tend to be less sensitive. Gingivectomy and lip repositioning are performed under local anesthesia. For orthognathic surgery, postoperative pain management is systematically implemented.
For a gingivectomy, the new contour of the teeth is visible immediately, the final result is appreciated after a few days of healing. The effects of botulinum toxin injections appear gradually over 3 to 15 days. For surgical interventions, results are observed after the absorption of postoperative swelling.
The cost depends on the complexity of the case and the technique used. Injections are the most accessible option but need to be renewed. Gingivectomy and lip repositioning are intermediate-cost procedures for a permanent result. Orthognathic surgery is the most complex procedure and therefore the most expensive. Contact Smile Clinic for a precise quote provided after the initial consultation.
In very selected cases, orthodontic treatment may be indicated to correct a slight gingival smile by modifying the vertical position of the teeth (intrusion). The placement of dental veneers can also enhance aesthetic appearance by visually elongating the teeth, but this technique masks the defect without addressing its underlying cause.