Reviewed by Dr. Chad Gilliam PA
Reading time: three minutes
Some people feel like their smile shows more gum tissue than they would like. When the upper lip lifts too high, it can create a gummy smile that makes the teeth look shorter and the gums more noticeable.
How Does Botox Help a Gummy Smile?
Botox can help improve a gummy smile by relaxing the muscles that lift the upper lip too high when you smile. When these muscles are less active, the upper lip does not rise as far, which reduces gingival display and makes the smile look more balanced.
This treatment is often used when the main cause is hyperactive lip muscles rather than a dental or skeletal issue. Botox, also known as botulinum toxin, works by temporarily limiting muscle movement in the targeted area.
In gummy smile treatment, the goal is to reduce excessive gingival display without changing your natural expression too much.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile can have more than one cause, which is why treatment should be based on what is creating the gingival exposure in the first place.
Common causes include:
- Hyperactive lip muscles that pull the upper lip too high
- A naturally short upper lip
- Excess gum tissue covering more of the teeth than normal
- Small or worn teeth that make the gums look more prominent
- Jaw positioning that contributes to excessive gingival display
When the issue is mostly muscular, Botox may be an effective non-surgical option. When the cause involves the teeth, gum tissue, or jaw structure, other treatments offered by a dentist may be more appropriate.
Where Is Botox Placed for a Gummy Smile?
The exact injection points depend on your facial anatomy and how your smile moves. Your injector will evaluate how much gingival display is present, how the upper lip lifts, and whether the movement appears symmetrical before choosing the treatment plan.
Using too much product or placing it incorrectly can affect lip movement, which is why this treatment should be done carefully.
Results You Can Expect
Botox does not permanently change the smile, but it can create a noticeable improvement for the right patient. Most people begin to see results within several days, with full results developing over about one to two weeks.
The smile usually looks softer because less gum tissue shows when smiling. Results are temporary and only last a few months, so repeat treatment is needed to maintain the effect.
Using Lip Filler and Botox Together
Lip filler and Botox may be combined when the goal is to reduce gingival display and improve upper lip support and shape.
Botox works by relaxing hyperactive lip muscles, while dermal filler adds volume and can help improve the appearance of the upper lip. For some patients, this combination creates a more balanced result than Botox alone.
Gummy Smile Treatment at Madison Wellness and Aesthetic Center
Dr. Dawn Mancuso performs injectable treatments with a focus on natural-looking facial balance and precise treatment planning. For patients concerned about a gummy smile, she evaluates how the upper lip moves and may recommend Botox or combination treatment based on the shape of the smile and the amount of gingival display.
Botox in Madison, AL
To book a consultation at our Medical Spa in Madison, AL, call (256) 722-0555 or visit us at 844 Slaughter Rd. Suite A, Madison, AL.
FAQs
No, Botox is temporary and usually lasts 3-4 months before retreatment is needed.
Botox is temporary, so if you do not like the results, you will need to wait for it to wear off. The effect gradually fades over several months.
It can slightly reduce how high the upper lip lifts when you smile, which is the goal of treatment. When placed carefully, it should not make the lip look stiff or interfere too much with normal movement.
