A gummy smile is a term for when your gums are prominently visible when you smile. An over-pronounced gum line can make teeth appear shorter, leaving many unsatisfied with the look of their smile.
Every patient’s gum line and goals are different, so there are many available solutions to address this dental issue. You might choose gum lift surgery (or a gingivectomy) to correct your gummy smile permanently. Maybe you require a crown lengthening procedure to even out the gum to tooth ratio. However, if you don’t want surgery, you aren’t out of options.
BOTOX® injections provide a safe, non-surgical solution for overexposed gums so you can smile with confidence.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
A variety of circumstances can cause excessive gum visibility. Consider some of the most common factors of a gummy smile:
- A hyperactive muscle in your upper lip can cause the lip to lift higher than average, causing more of your gum tissue to be visible.
- Certain ways in which the upper jaw bone develops, like a bulging upper jaw within the gum tissue.
- Genetic factors such as shorter than average teeth, a small upper lip, or extra gum tissue.
The cause of your gummy smile may impact which treatment option will be most useful for you. An experienced cosmetic dentist can assess your condition in a consultation to determine the best course of treatment based on your individual needs.
Treating Gummy Smiles with BOTOX®
To correct a gummy smile, BOTOX® is injected into your upper lip, relaxing the muscles that cause it to rise too high. This temporary numbing will decrease the elevation of your upper lip, covering more of your gums when you smile.
Want to learn more about the BOTOX® process? Read on to find how the treatment works.
You don’t need to worry about “frozen face,” as the injections simply weaken muscle activity and will not paralyze your face entirely. BOTOX® results typically last three to six months before another treatment is required.
With an overexposed gum line, it can be tempting to hide your smile. Thanks to BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment, you can fix a gummy smile and flash your grin without feeling self-conscious. If you’re interested in gummy smile correction and want to see if BOTOX® is right for you, contact your Marietta cosmetic dentist today to book a complimentary consultation!
