A confident smile can light up a room – but for some, excessive gum exposure (also known as a ‘gummy smile’) can seriously affect self-esteem. Treatments, such as surgery or orthodontics, have long been the go-to solutions. These are considered invasive, however, and many patients are looking for non-surgical fixes. Botox is now one of the most common injectable aesthetics treatments, but can it be used to fix a gummy smile?
Yes! Botulinum toxin, or botox, is an amazing non-surgical solution to excessive gum exposure. Often referred to as a gummy smile, this issue can be reduced by using botox to temporarily paralysing the muscle in the upper lip that lifts too much when smiling. This option is minimally invasive, with the procedure bringing little discomfort and a quick recovery time.
Read on to find out more about getting botox for gummy smiles, and how it compares to previously available options.
What Is A Gummy Smile?
A ‘gummy smile’, or excessive gum exposure, occurs when a large amount of gum tissue is visible when smiling. This condition has a number of common causes, including:
- Excessive wear and tear on the teeth.
- Gums that are enlarged or too long.
- Poor jaw alignment.
- Abnormal or partial eruption of the teeth.
- Hyperactive upper lip muscles.
- Short upper lip.
Gummy smiles can often make people feel self-conscious about their appearance, making them reluctant to smile in public. There are treatments available, but it’s important to know which option suits your lifestyle and budget.
What Are The Treatments For A Gummy Smile?
As we’ve mentioned above, there are a number of treatment options available to reduce the amount of gum tissue shown during smiling and restore your self-confidence. We’ve detailed both traditional and new solutions below.
Surgery
One of the surgical options available for those with overgrown gum tissue, or shorter teeth, is often referred to as ‘crown lengthening’. Excess gum tissue is removed under local anesthesia, and the gum is then repositioned and sutured. In some cases, a small amount of bone may also be reshaped.
Surgical treatments offer long-lasting results and show dramatic improvements in aesthetics. They are, however, much more invasive and lead to a longer recovery time. Initial costs are also much likely to be higher, so surgery may not suit everyone’s budget.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment is less invasive than surgical options, whilst still offering permanent results. A laser is used to precisely remove excess gum tissue and create a more balanced smile. Local anesthesia may be used, but is often not necessary. The area is sterilised by the laser during the procedure, promoting quick healing and minimal bleeding.
This option has a faster healing time than surgery and there is often no need for sutures. Laser treatments are also more ideal for those with mild to moderate excessive gum tissue, but will likely not suit those with bone involvement issues. You may also need multiple sessions of this treatment to get the desired results, and it often comes at a slightly higher cost than others.
Injectable Treatment
Injectable treatments offer a quick and reversible option, especially for those who consider others to be too invasive. Botox is becoming increasingly popular, and is used to limit the movement of the upper lip. When injected into specific muscles in the area, the amount of gum that’s exposed when smiling is reduced.
These procedures are much quicker than surgical options, with no downtime. Botox for gummy smiles is also reversible, and can be combined with other cosmetic treatments. For example, hyaluronic acid fillers can be used to enhance the upper lip, covering more of the gums. However, injectable treatments may not be suitable for all types of gummy smiles and only produce temporary results, so do require long term maintenance.
Botox For Gummy Smiles
To treat gummy smiles, a small amount of botox is injected into the muscles responsible for lifting the upper lip. This temporarily weakens the muscles and prevents them from contracting as strongly when you smile. The amount of visible gum tissue is reduced, creating a more balanced smile.
The most common injection site for botox is the ‘levator labii superioris’ muscle. It’s a fairly broad muscle in the face that raises the upper lip, contributing to facial expressions.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Botox For Gummy Smiles?
There are a number of reasons to choose botox injections to fix your gummy smile, rather than a more invasive, surgical option. Below, we’ve summarised some of the key highlights:
- Discomfort: Botox injections cause little discomfort when used to treat gummy smiles, especially when compared to that created by surgery.
- Downtime: Injectable treatments have a much lower downtime, if any at all. You’ll soon return to your daily activities with this ‘lunchtime procedure’.
- Customisable: Botox injections can be adjusted to suit both your anatomy and desired results. The amount of material used and the location of their injection can help achieve a fully customisable result.
- Budget: Aesthetic treatments can be a huge investment, not only personally, but economically. Botox is much more cost-effective than surgical treatment options, so could be considered much more achievable.
How Long Does Botox For Gummy Smiles Last?
Unlike surgical or laser options, using botox for gummy smiles only produces temporary results. Many see this as a positive, allowing you to reassess your need for aesthetics procedures without a permanent impact.
However, this does mean you’ll need repeated injections if you decide you would like to maintain the results achieved by non-surgical options.
Gummy Smile Botox With Infinity Aesthetics
Treatments for gummy smiles vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition but, no matter what, you can be sure you’ll receive top-notch treatments from Infinity Aesthetics. Whether you opt for lip fillers or botox treatment, our team will do everything to give you natural results.
Our founder, Dr Owen Thomas, was a medical doctor for over 20 years before starting Infinity Aesthetics in 2020. He has a passion for improving his patient’s self-confidence, all with quality aesthetic services in a safe and clean environment. You’ll receive a bespoke aesthetic treatment, working with Dr Thomas to get the most from your investment.
Have more questions about gummy smile treatment or any of our other procedures? Get in touch with our experts today! If you’re ready to move forward, click below to book your consultation and start your aesthetic journey!
FAQs
How Long Does Botox Treatment Take?
Treatment sessions with Dr Thomas typically last around 20 to 30 minutes, making botox extremely convenient for those with a busy schedule. This may vary depending on the individual, but the treatment earns the nickname of a ‘lunchtime procedure’ for this reason.
Can Botox Be Combined With Other Facial Treatments?
Dr Thomas may recommend combining botox with other treatments, if necessary, to achieve enhanced results. This will all be discussed during your consultation, where a personalised plan will be developed.
How Should I Prepare For Botox Treatment?
There isn’t anything specific you have to either do or avoid before your injectable treatment. A detailed pre-treatment plan will be provided upon completion of your consultation.
Dr. Owen Thomas has been a medical doctor for more than 20 years since qualifying from Cardiff in 1999, now specialising in aesthetics in London and Swansea. After a 2 year level-7 Master’s Degree course in injectable aesthetic treatments training at Harley Academy, and additional study with Empire Medical Training in the US and other experts renowned in their field, he won a scholarship in the prestigious Aesthetic Intelligence Fellowship run over 7 months in Kensington, London and Paris.
