Hi all,
I will soon be having orthognathic surgery. As it stands, the plan is to advance my mandible and chin, as I have a significant overbite.
Now, as it happens, I have a slight gummy smile. If you look at this image,
http://www.kurpisdentistry.com/images/fig_2.gif , I would suggest that the amount of gum I show with a natural, not-too-over-the-top smile is very similar to that in the first image (labeled 'mild'). If I really try to do my cheesiest smile, though, I show a bit more (I'm not really sure how big one's smile should be when assessing its gumminess). I have had some gum recession on my upper incisors, so there'd probably be even more gum if it weren't for that. I also seem to show more incisor than the ideal when at rest/talking, although I cannot be specific with how many millimetres that is. My ortho surgeon did, nonetheless, describe me as showing correct incisor amount at rest.
I have discussed a maxillary impaction with both my orthodontist and surgeon, who both said more or less the same thing to me: that they would not recommend that I have one because, although I may show more gum than the ideal amount when smiling (and more incisor than the ideal amount than at rest), the problem is not too significant to warrant an impaction. They also suggest that given my size (I am a 6'4" male), it is less of an issue than if I were only a petite person. My teeth, too, are quite large so the gum that shows does not look too disproportionate. Further, they mentioned the typical aesthetic side-effects of an impaction, namely a widening and an upturned tip of the nose, which is not something I would want, as my nose is already slightly upturned and bulbous. They also pointed to the drooping of the upper lip with age. They have said, though, that they will do an impaction if I really want it.
I am inclined to go with the advice of my orthodontist and surgeon, and I don't want to significantly worsen my nose, or lose too much incisor show, but since this operation is more or less a once in a lifetime thing, I want to be sure I'm not missing out on a chance to make the most of this.
What do you guys think about this? Has anyone had experience of an impaction with a merely minor gummy smile?
Thanks.