Is it worth getting BOTOX to correct a gummy smile?
If you are bothered by how your smile appears, getting BOTOX can help you feel more confident – and smile more!
What causes a gummy smile?
A gummy smile, or excessive gingival display, can result from short teeth with excess gum tissues around them or an upper jaw positioned too far forward.
Is a gummy smile a cosmetic or functional issue?
A gummy smile refers to what dentists call the smile line or aesthetic zone, the teeth showing when you are smiling. The optimal smile line appearance is 0-2mm from the top of the teeth and should be level to the eyes. Generally, a gummy smile is a cosmetic concern, not functional. However, there are some circumstances where a gummy smile is a sign of a medical condition. This includes when skeletal and orthodontic disharmony interferes with the ability to chew.
Are BOTOX treatments for a gummy smile painful?
The needle that injects BOTOX® is tiny with minimal stinging effect. Because the entire process is almost painless, no anesthesia is necessary, so our patients are usually awake during treatment.
How many units of BOTOX are needed to treat a gummy smile?
The amount of BOTOX necessary to correct a gummy smile varies from patient to patient and will be discussed during your initial consultation. Generally, one or two units of BOTOX are needed to fix a gummy smile.
When will I see the results of correcting a gummy smile with BOTOX?
The results appear after two or three days as the elevation of the upper lip gradually decreases. Full results will be visible within two weeks of your treatment.
How can I make my results last?
Most BOTOX treatments require zero downtime so that you can resume normal activities immediately. However, to ensure the best and long-lasting results, avoid the following for 24 hours after treatment, touching the treatment area, exercising, sleeping face down.