How to Treat Your Gummy Smile
Smiles are a defining characteristic of our face, but imperfections in our smiles can make us feel self-conscious. Excessive gingival display or a “gummy smile” is a cosmetic condition where the upper gums are too visible when smiling and can also result in thinner lips. The most common causes of a gummy smile are:
- A short upper lip.
- Hyper-mobility or hyper-lifting of the upper lip (when your lips pull back excessively far when you smile).
- Excess gum tissue.
- Small teeth.
Depending on the reason for your gummy smile, BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® injections can be used to help temporarily resolve this condition.
How Does It Work
BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® are made of botulinum toxin, which slightly weakens the muscles to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the face. Patients with a gummy smile condition will receive injections into the muscle responsible for lifting the upper lip when smiling, located near the bottom of the nose. This will release the tension that causes the gummy smile and result in a lowered lip to reduce the appearance of the gum when smiling. Also known as a “lip flip,” this treatment will help subtly enhance the upper lip as well.
What to Expect
At the time of your appointment, our expert injector, Ellie Zarnegar, PA, DMSc, will strategically administer BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport® injections to the treatment area. The treatment can take anywhere from 10-20 minutes and typically lasts between 3-4 months but varies from patient to patient.
Improve Your Smile Today!
At Essential Aesthetics, you can improve your smile with a “gummy smile” reduction. Give us a call or text at 925.855.1773 or schedule an online consultation to get started with improving the excessive gingival display. We serve patients in Danville, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Livermore, Orinda, and other cities in the Bay Area.