optifree

My teeth look pretty nice actually, but when I smile, my upper lip (the middle area) covers a good portion of my teeth so people can hardly see my teeth. Another thing is my teeth don't show at all when I talk or when my lips are at rest. Is there anything I can do to make it so my smile line is straight and shows more of my teeth?

Here's a picture:

Thanks.

robyne00

In my opinion your smile looks natural and normal. Gummy smiles and horsemouths (think Julia Roberts) are highly undesirable.

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optifree

Well, thanks. I do see your point, but I guess what I'm more concerned with over lack of teeth show is more that my upper lip has that dip in the center. It isn't even part of my lip really, it's like the skin behind my lip, on the inside of my mouth, that gets pressed and squeezed out when I smile... if that makes any sense. Anything that can be done about that?

robyne00

I have never heard of any procedure related to this, but perhaps you could get some tissue removed, if it really bothers you. There is a sphincter muscle around the mouth known as the orbicularis oris muscle. Maybe that could be reduced. I'd be afraid as it might affect the nerve of the second pharyngeal arch, which could result in numbness and/or inability to detect sensation, partially or completely. It could also alter your look totally.

Maybe you could do something with your teeth?

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I am an unpaid volunteer super moderator. I receive no remuneration from this site. Although I am a medical professional, any recommendations, statements, advice, or opinions I provide are mine, and mine alone. Consult carefully with the medical professional of your choice. All statements, recommendations, opinions, and advice expressed by me are mine personally – independent of the site and made as a forum member only – and do not necessarily reflect those of PlasticSurgerySpot.com.

optifree

So would I have to schedule a consult with an oral surgeon to look further into this?

And I did ask my dentist about cosmetic dentistry. He said bonding would chip and I'm "too young" to get veneers. Lol. Seems like no one wants me to get anything done for some reason.

robyne00

How old are you if you do not mind me asking?

Perhaps a maxillofacial surgeon might be able to help you. Bonding does chip.

What if you try smiling differently?

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I am an unpaid volunteer super moderator. I receive no remuneration from this site. Although I am a medical professional, any recommendations, statements, advice, or opinions I provide are mine, and mine alone. Consult carefully with the medical professional of your choice. All statements, recommendations, opinions, and advice expressed by me are mine personally – independent of the site and made as a forum member only – and do not necessarily reflect those of PlasticSurgerySpot.com.

la_angel

Great advice, Robyne!

You don't want to have a toothy or gummy smile. That dip in the upper lip is a common trait many people have. It's not there when you aren't smiling, is it?

optifree

I am 20 years old. And I actually just had jaw surgery from a maxillofacial surgeon about 7 months ago. I do need to schedule a follow-up appointment with him, perhaps I will ask him about it?

And angel, no it's not there when I'm not smiling, and yeah I do notice a dip that a lot of people have, but I see a dip in their actual lip rather than the skin/tissue that is on the inside of the mouth behind the lip (in my case). Know what I'm saying?

robyne00

I know many 20 year olds with veneers. You could do it. Expensive, but a good solution, if that's what you're looking for. What did you see the maxo surgeon for? You should have had a follow up already. Years ago . Follow up!

Originally you said it occurs when you smile ...

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I am an unpaid volunteer super moderator. I receive no remuneration from this site. Although I am a medical professional, any recommendations, statements, advice, or opinions I provide are mine, and mine alone. Consult carefully with the medical professional of your choice. All statements, recommendations, opinions, and advice expressed by me are mine personally – independent of the site and made as a forum member only – and do not necessarily reflect those of PlasticSurgerySpot.com.

optifree

I had a jaw surgery to correct my underbite/crossbite which now fits together pretty nicely. Health/function-wise I'm really happy. It's just this piece of skin behind my lip that shows when I smile. And yeah that is when it occurs, when I smile.

I don't think I'll go with the veneers. To be honest after thinking about it my dissatisfaction has much less to do with my lack of tooth show and more is about my lipline looking uneven and dipped.

And what do you mean should have had a follow-up years ago haha. I had the surgery about 6-7 months ago. I've already had 3 follow-ups, he just wanted to see me again after my braces were taken off/