A gummy smile is a common problem that affects many people. It is a condition where a significant portion of the gums shows when a person smiles. Although it is not considered a medical concern, a gummy smile can negatively affect a person’s self-confidence and cause self-consciousness about their appearance.
A gummy smile occurs due to several reasons, including genetics, overgrowth of the gums, and a small upper lip. It can also happen due to certain medical conditions, such as hyperactive muscles in the upper lip. In some cases, orthodontic treatment may cause a gummy smile, as teeth movement may expose more gum tissue.
A gummy smile can negatively impact the lower face by making the face look imbalanced. It can also make the teeth look small and make a person appear older than their age.
Botulinum toxin injections have emerged as a popular solution for treating gummy smiles. Botulinum toxin is a neuromodulator that can relax the muscles that cause the upper lip to rise too high when smiling, reducing the amount of gum tissue that is visible. The treatment is minimally invasive, safe, and requires no downtime.
Botulinum toxin injection treatment for a gummy smile typically involves injecting the specific muscles of the upper lip, the procedure takes only a few minutes, is virtually painless and results are noticeable within a few days and last for several months, depending on the individual’s metabolism.In some patients who also have naturally thin lips as well as hyperactive lip muscles, we can also perform subtle lip augmentation with filler to compliment the effects of gummy smile injection and further harmonise an individual smile and overall appearance.
A gummy smile is a condition where excessive gum tissue is displayed when a person smiles. Botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, is injected into the upper lip to relax the muscles and reduce the appearance of a gummy smile.
It typically takes 2-3 days for the effects of botulinum toxin to become noticeable. The full effect may take up to two weeks.
The effect of botulinum toxin in treating a gummy smile can lasts approximately 3-4 months. Regular maintenance treatments are required to maintain the effect.
Yes, botulinum toxin is safe when administered by a trained and qualified medical professional. However, like any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects that should be discussed with the provider.
The treatment is generally not painful as the injections are very small and a numbing cream can be applied beforehand. Some patients may experience minor discomfort or a slight pinch during the injections.
