Gummy Smile or Jaw Surgery?

[Tgannon2]

Hey everyone!

I'm looking for some feedback on the 'gummy smile' surgery. I consulted with a periodontist in the first year of my treatment, but was in braces for almost 2.5 years. He agreed that I had some extra gum and could laser off two cm or mm, I can't recall the measurement. I guess my teeth show at about an 8 when they should be at a 10. I also have had really puffy gums with my braces pretty much the whole time. However, the only way to completely rid myself of a gummy smile is to get jaw surgery.

When I smile, my lip goes really high up. I would prefer to get my gums lasered as opposed to my jaw being broken. Honestly, I would appreciate any feedback on both of these surgeries. I have a few months to wait as my teeth firm up, so I was hoping for some insight so I can really think it through before committing.

[sbkwtz91]

I would not advise jaw surgery for a gummy smile unless your case is particularly extreme. I got it myself and highly regret it. Now I'm on a lengthy, expensive and uncertain journey toward revision.

[snapdresser]

Just so you know, if it's merely to compensate for a gummy smile, your insurance will almost certainly deny coverage for jaw surgery, so it's likely to cost $25k+ out-of-pocket. That said, cosmetic issues are very personal. It's all about how badly YOU want to get rid of your gummy smile, not some strangers online. Even if you get some sort of procedure done for your gums, there will still be things you don't like about your appearance. Good luck and keep us posted!