Botox for Gummy Smile?

Question

i hate my gummy smile. a doctor said maybe i could get Botocs to help. Is this true?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Hi Robin
BOTOX is great for some things. Not so great for other things. The gummy smile I think is mostly a doctor created sensitivity. Think about where you learned that this was a "issue." To counter act this "issue" BOTOX is injected into the lip elevators including the lavator labii superioris, levator labii superioris alaequae nasi, and occasionally the zygomaticus minor muscle. For sure this lowers the upper lip and covers the gums if the show when you smile. But typically this kill a beautiful big smile. Also to my eye, there is something unnatural about the effect. Also at the top of the nasolabial fold a small fullness can appear that is caused by the relaxed lavtor labii superioris. Also the treatment can result in an asymmetric smile.  
Someone has under minded your confidence in what is probably a fantastic, beautiful smile. Don't get this treatment. Keep smiling.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Botox may lower the upper lip to not be able to show the gum line when you smile. There is a risk of too much lowering; affecting your singing or playing of a wind instrument.  Be careful in this area.

Brian S. Glatt, MD, FACS · Answer

While Botox can be used to treat a gummy smile, this procedure can be very tricky to get just right, and can be very unpredictable.  You must only have it done by a very experienced injector.  The potential downside can be an asymmetry of your smile or changes in your upper lip muscle dynamics! 
I have favored using Juvederm for a gummy smile by enhancing the upper lip in a very natural way.  This seems to work very well and is very striaghtforward.  Some of my happiest patients are ones that have had this procedure done for a gummy smile!  Photographs can be seen on my website of just such a patient.
You may also want to consider seeing a craniofacial or maxillofacial surgeon for consultation if your gummy sile is severe.  There are some potential sugical solutions for this issue.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Yes, it will work very well. It has to be injected very precisely in the levator labii muscle which is near the junction of your nostrils with the cheek.  Also the dose has to be calculated very carefully.  A small amount can also be placed in the midline of the upper lip where it meets the nose (columella) and it helps bring down the center lip.
Regards

Alex Farnoosh, DMD · Answer

BOTOX is a popular option for reducing
the appearance of a gummy smile. It works by reducing movement in the upper
lip, preventing it from retracting and exposing a significant amount of gum
tissue when you smile. Many people are attracted to this treatment because it
is minimally invasive. However, the results are temporary, and
"overtreatment" is a possibility. For permanent results, lip lowering
surgery, laser gum contouring, and other procedures are possibilities. For best
results, consult with a qualified cosmetic dentist or periodontist near you.

Botox for Gummy Smile?

Answers (10)

Answer: Botox for gummy smile

Answer: Botox for gummy smile

Answer: BOTOX Can Help — But Not Permanently

Answer: BOTOX Can Help — But Not Permanently

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Botox for Gummy Smile?

Answers (10)

Answer: Botox for gummy smile

Answer: Botox for gummy smile

Answer: BOTOX Can Help — But Not Permanently

Answer: BOTOX Can Help — But Not Permanently

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.