Botox for gummy smile: What's the effect on other facial expressions, especially mouth movement while talking? (photo)

Question

I'm worrying that once I treat the gummy smile issue, I can not make any "big" smiles. Also, I'm wondering how the facial expression will be affected, since the upper side of the mouth is not moving subject to botox. Can I do any small upper lip movement or the part can only move when I try hard?

Kyle Coleman, MD · Answer

Botox can be a great treatment to decrease the gummy show in some patients.  Proper placement and dosages should no effect the ability to smile.  If to large dosages are used, the lips with lose some eversion and may drag across the teeth.  It is important to see an expert physician in your area for proper treatment.

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Judicious botox may help, but some patients don't like the way it affects the muscles of animation around the mouth. If you do it start small, and rest assured that the effect will wear off if you don't like it.The long term answer probably lies in jaw surgery to reduce the vertical height of the upper jaw (maxilla). This is considerable surgery which may be less appealing to you. It is performed by craniofacial plastic surgeons and may be somthing you wish to at least learn about.Hope this has helped and best wishes.

Karthik Ram, MRCS, DNB · Answer

HiThanks for sharing your photographs.Botox is given for the upper lip elevators to correct the gummy smile. This will definitely reduce the broad appearance of the gingiva while smiling. This is the most safest and non invasive procedure to corrrect your gummy smile. This will not affect your other facial muscles if the treatment is done correctly. Botox is not a permanent way to address your complaint. To consult a cosmetic surgeon and a oro maxillofacial surgeon to have a better idea to correct your complaint permanently.

Robert M. Klaich, DMD · Answer

When administered properly, Botox is a very conservative way to address decreasing the gummy show. Referring to your photos, I’d recommend injections not only in the LLSAN muscles, but also the Levator Labii Superioris, and Zygomaticus Minor, due to the appearance that your gummy show extends from the front of your smile posteriorly to the back as well.
To answer your question, these injections would only affect the muscles that elevate the lip and should only affect your smile in a positive way (that is, covering the excess gums). It should have no effect on limiting how wide you can smile.

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

A small amount of Botox can be used to improve a gummy smile.  It will change your smile since your upper lip will not lift as high.  If you do not like the result, it will wear off in a few months.

Botox for gummy smile: What's the effect on other facial expressions, especially mouth movement while talking? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Botox and the Gummy Smile

Answer: Botox and the Gummy Smile

Answer: Botox for a gummy smile

Answer: Botox for a gummy smile

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox for Gummy Smile

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

Botox for gummy smile: What's the effect on other facial expressions, especially mouth movement while talking? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Botox and the Gummy Smile

Answer: Botox and the Gummy Smile

Answer: Botox for a gummy smile

Answer: Botox for a gummy smile

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox for Gummy Smile

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