Info: Gummy Smile Treatment

A gummy smile, known as excessive gingival display in medical terms, is when you smile and too much gum tissue shows above the top teeth.There are any number of things that can cause a gummy smile. Some are ingrained into our genetics, and there’s not much we can do to prevent those from affecting our smiles, but others are a result of how we care for our teeth, and there are certainly some things we can do to keep that from happening.

What is a gummy smile?

When too much gum tissue is displayed when smiling, this is known as a gummy smile. There are a number of reasons for this condition, which can range from mild to severe and can cause the affected person a degree of unhappiness if they perceive it to be unattractive. Having the perfect smile is an asset that many people strive to possess, with the ideal amount of gum display being around 2–4 mm. 

Also known as excessive gingival display, a gummy smile is most often found to be a dental concern that is mostly corrected through dental intervention. Small teeth, enlarged gums or the overgrowth of the upper jaw (that causes the gums to bulge) can be addressed by a dental professional, for which they will provide the appropriate solution. However, if a gummy smile is the cause of a hyperactive top lip or a top lip that appears to be too short, this is where an aesthetician may have the right treatment. 

Genetics are often responsible for a top lip that is either hyperactive or too short. When the top lip is hyperactive, the muscle that controls the skin between the nose and mouth overworks to show too much of the teeth and gums when smiling and laughing. 

The application of lip fillers can also help to create more volume in the lips, which will in turn reveal less of the gums. The injectable gel also contains a concentration of hyaluronic acid that works to hydrate the lips for a luscious and plump look, helping to perfect the smile. 

Is it considered unattractive?

An optimal smile is one that shows little gum tissue and balanced, even lines on either side. So the focus of your smile is your teeth. People with a gummy smile may feel unattractive because the symmetry of their smile isn’t even. What causes a gummy smile? The three most common causes of a gummy smile are:

• A Bad Bite

One of those pesky heredity things that can cause a gummy smile can be a bad bite. When your top jaw doesn’t align properly with your bottom jaw. A bad bite can cause a whole host of problems from jaw pain to crooked teeth as well as a gummy smile. Most often, a bad bite that causes the upper jaw to protrude out farther than it should result in a gummy look.

• Hyperactive Upper Lip

Another cause of gummy smiles that we can thank genetics for is something called a hyperactive upper lip. A hyperactive lip occurs when the muscles in the upper lip and under the nose are, well, hyperactive. This repeated overuse of those muscles can cause the top lip to raise and expose gum tissue.

• Too Much Gum Tissue 

Perhaps the most common cause of a gummy smile is simply having too much gum tissue. During the eruption of permanent teeth, sometimes there’s an overgrowth of gum tissue that covers too much of the teeth. This will result in a gummy appearance. However, infection of the gums can make it appear as if there is too much gum tissue when in fact the infection caused inflammation and the swelling covers too much of the teeth. This cause of a gummy smile is preventable by practicing good brushing and flossing habits.

Women are twice as likely to have a gummy smile than men.

How do we treat Gummy Smile

A gummy smile can easily and effectively be treated with Botox® with minimal side effects. The best part of this treatment is that it is not invasive and it is a quick procedure! When injected, Botox® or the botulinum toxin type A, can relax the muscles in the upper lip and limit the rise of the upper lip when smiling, so the gums will remain covered. Two or more units of Botox® are injected in the area between the nose and upper lip to reduce the appearance of any “gummy” smile, creating a more appealing and natural smile.

Again, treating a gummy smile with Botox® is a minimally invasive procedure hence no side effects. The upper lip that is relaxed with Botox® no longer contracts or elevates as much when smiling. The treatment is incredibly effective, and the results usually last 3 months; we have found that when we repeat this procedure, over time, generally we get more time between the treatments. One may return to the daily activities immediately after treatment, and results are often almost immediate with the full effect occurring by two weeks.

How long does gummy smile Botox last?

Gummy Smile Botox usually lasts between three and five months.

How long does it take to work?

The results are not immediate. Upon injecting the Botox, you should wait for 2 or 3 days to see an improvement. The elevation of the upper lip will gradually decrease, and the full result will be visible within 14 days post-treatment. Additional injections may be required depending on the results you want.

Can you reverse gummy smile Botox?

The Botox will need to wear off by itself and the gummy smile will return to its initial shape in 3-4 months.

Where do you inject and how many units for a gummy smile?

Once you’re ready for your first Gummy Smile Treatment session, we’ll help get you comfortable and then strategically inject into two small areas around 2 – 4 units of Botox.

The procedure takes around 15 minutes and requires zero downtime, so you can come in during your lunch hour and then head right back to your daily activities. Most patients notice a difference in their smiles and not much gum is seen within three to four days of treatment. The softening of the lip lift results in a more attractive smile that you’ll be happy to show off. The results are so natural-looking that no one else will know that you’ve “had work done”—unless you tell them. Gummy Smile Botox lasts 8 to 12 weeks, after which time you’ll need additional treatments/top-ups to maintain your results.

Here are some benefits of treating a gummy smile with Botox®:

• Botox® injections cause little discomfort and less so with repeated treatment.
• Recovery is immediate as soon as the procedure is finished.
• Botox® is cost-effective as compared to surgical and other treatment options.
• Results are natural and quick.
• Injections can be adjusted depending on the results required.

CAN I EAT NORMALLY AFTER MY GUMMY SMILE TREATMENT?

This treatment does not influence eating habits.

WILL GUMMY SMILE TREATMENT CHANGE MY SMILE?

Certainly! Your gums will be less noticeable, so yes, that means that your smile has changed.

ADDING LIP FILLERS TO BOTOX FOR GUMMY SMILE

Some patients may also opt to add a lip filler procedure to the Botox treatment to further enhance their results. This can be easily achieved with injections of a dermal filler that adds volume and fullness to a thin, undefined upper lip.

BEFORE THE GUMMY SMILE TREATMENT

We shall sit down with you to listen to your concerns, discuss your goals, and determine whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure. We will have a consultation and take pictures and you sign a consent form.

AFTER GUMMY SMILE TREATMENT

Cooling your gums after treatment is not necessary. It’s treat and go! However, we do advise you not to exercise on the day of the treatment or even practice yoga. Also, you should not lie down for two hours after the procedure.

RECOVERY TIME AFTER GUMMY SMILE TREATMENT

There is no recovery time to speak of for this type of treatment. You might experience some hypersensitivity in the treated area. In rare cases a small bruise might form, but this may be camouflaged cosmetically immediately following the procedure.

HOW LONG DOES BOTOX GUMMY SMILE TREATMENT LAST?

After the muscles that pull on your upper lip have been injected with Botulinum toxin, the final result may not be immediately visible. It will take between two days and two weeks for the muscle to become paralysed and loose tension. The results may vary from patient to patient. The average duration of this effect is three to four months. You can further enhance your smile by having a Lip Flip.