Gummy Smile

The smile is one of the most defining characteristics on a person’s face, but when it displays features that are considered unappealing, the smile can cause many social hindrances.

Excessive gingival display, or a “gummy smile” as it is more commonly called, is a cosmetic condition that occurs when the upper gums are too prominent when smiling. Those who suffer from the condition may feel self-conscious about the way their smile looks, and although many dentists and orthodontists offer treatment to relieve a gummy smile, many of these procedures are surgical and therefore very invasive and expensive.

BOTOX® Cosmetic has been shown to effectively treat the appearance of a gummy smile and is a much more manageable procedure to receive than surgery. With the use of two or more injections on either side of the mouth, the muscles on the face can relax and the lips can begin to cover up the gums, thereby creating a more aesthetically appealing smile. At Destination Aesthetics, we provide BOTOX® treatment for many cosmetic concerns, including the gummy smile, at locations in El Dorado Hills, Elk Grove, Folsom, Roseville, and Sacramento, CA. If you are feeling self-conscious due to excessive gingival display, BOTOX® may be the right solution for you.

How Does BOTOX® Work?

BOTOX® is composed of the botulinum toxin type A, and when used for typical cosmetic purposes, the injectable is able to slightly weaken muscles that are causing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the face. BOTOX® also effectively treats a variety of medical conditions, such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), blepharospasm (excessive blinking), migraines, and TMJ, all of which are associated with the overstimulation of specific muscles in the face. When injected directly into the meat of the muscle, BOTOX® can relax and release much of the tension causing discomfort, leaving clients with more youthful qualities and a comfortable quality of life.

When a patient has a gummy smile condition, the same treatment method applies, where between one or two units of BOTOX® are injected into the muscle responsible for lifting the upper lip when smiling, which is located near the bottom of the nose. Once the BOTOX® is dispersed throughout the muscle, it will lose much of the tension causing the gummy smile and result in a lowered lip. Clients will be able to smile in a pleasing way without showing off too much of the gums.

Benefits of Gummy Smile Treatment

How Much Do BOTOX Gummy Smile Injections Cost Near Sacramento, CA?

The prices for gummy smile treatments vary with the amount of BOTOX® needed (priced by the unit). When you come in for a complimentary consultation, your injector will give you a personalized price quote.

Treating Your Gummy Smile at Destination Aesthetics

A gummy smile is related specifically to muscles in the face that are contracting more intensely than what is necessary. BOTOX® essentially soothes the muscles so that the muscles no longer tighten as much. If you are curious about whether BOTOX® can treat your gummy smile, a complimentary consultation at Destination Aesthetics may be able to help you pinpoint your aesthetic goals. During a consultation, we assess your medical history as well as evaluate the treatment area in question in order to determine whether you are a good candidate for BOTOX® treatment. Afterward, we have you sign the necessary paperwork and take pictures of your appearance before treatment begins.

To administer the BOTOX®, it is vital that it is injected into the proper muscle, and to ensure this, you will be asked to smile in order to make the muscles more apparent. Small units of BOTOX® are then injected into both the left and right sides of the face. You can return to your daily routine immediately after treatment, and after two weeks, you should begin to notice the results of BOTOX® treatment when smiling and realize that the upper lip is not capable of rising above the gum line. By using BOTOX®, the affected muscles return to a normal range of use and effectively produce a more attractive smile.

BOTOX® Gummy Smile Treatment FAQ

Q: How long will it take for my BOTOX® gummy smile treatment to work?

A: Within a few days, the treated muscles will begin to weaken, and your gums will gradually be less exposed when you smile. It takes about 2 weeks to achieve your full results.

Q: How often do you need gummy smile BOTOX®?

A: Although BOTOX® has been proven effective at treating a gummy smile, the solution is not permanent and will require maintenance injections every 8 to 12 weeks. Those looking for a more permanent gummy smile treatment should consider surgical options. However, the impermanence of BOTOX® allows many recipients to adjust their treatment according to their needs at the time and effectively budget for each injection. The efficient and painless methods associated with receiving BOTOX® are also a trade-off for many invasive techniques. The results of BOTOX® treatments look completely natural and fully improve the appearance of excessive gum display.

Q: Can lip fillers also help hide a gummy smile?

A: By plumping up the top lip, lip fillers can reduce gum exposure.

Q: Is BOTOX® the best nonsurgical treatment for a gummy smile?

A: The best nonsurgical gummy smile treatment depends on your unique needs. If your gummy smile is caused by overactive muscles around the upper lip, BOTOX® injections could be a good option for you. Fillers might not be a good option if you are happy with the fullness of your upper lip. During your consultation, your injector will talk with you about your concerns, look at your smile, and recommend the best treatment plan for you.

Q: Will the injections hurt?

A: These treatments are typically well tolerated. Expect to feel a quick pinch during each injection. We can use topical numbing cream if desired.

Q: Can I combine my BOTOX for gummy smile treatment with lip fillers?

A: Yes. We can treat a gummy smile with BOTOX and plump and sculpt the top and bottom lips with fillers to enhance your look when smiling and speaking.

If you would like more information about how BOTOX® can help treat your gummy smile, please request a consultation, call or (916) 461-8001 a location near you.