How to fix gummy smile and distorted lower lip/jaw? (photo)

Question

I have a gummy smile and very tight lower lip that rises high and has divets on both sides of my chin. I would like to fix this. Would botox do the trick or would I need to do something more drastic? I have a tongue tie that i think has caused a recessive jaw...I'm going to be doing myofunctional therapy and get it released. But I'd love to do something cosmetic to help fix this.

Ira Shapira, DDS · Answer

The underlying issue is a narrow maxilla that gives you a narrow "V" shaped arch instead of a more attractive "U" shaped arch.  Correction of the deficient maxilla will greatly improve your gummy smile by allowing better lip position and improve the long face appearance.Absolutely do Oral Myofunctional Therapy and if the therapist feels releasing the tongue tie it could speed expansion.  The DNA appliance utilizes Epigenetic Orthopedics to correct development issues that the tongue tie and oral habits probably contributed to.Expansion will have additional benefits of creating a larger nasopharyngeal airway and can decrease risks for headaches, migraines and TMJ disorders.

Sheena Allen, DMD, FACP · Answer

Your photos appear to show that you maxilla (or top jaw) is forward and you probably have a hypermobile lip (meaning your lip moves higher than normal).  This is both a skeletal issue as well as muscular.  Orthodontists are the dental specialists who determine if jaw surgery is required to fix your gummy smile.  If you want to rule out jaw surgery, there are other options.  
First, Botox can be used to limit the movement of your top lip.  It is not a permanent solution and more than likely you will still show a lot of gum tissue.  Second, a periodontist can perform a "gum lift" to raise your gum line, making your teeth naturally longer, showing less gum and giving you a permanent solution.  
Your case is not straight forward and requires dental specialists and not a general dentist in this case.

German Arzate, DDS - Account Suspended · Answer

there are many different techniques to change the way you look dental and muscular,you will need to decide if you want to make a big surgery changing the position of the upper maxilla,or you just want to improve the way you look with what you have now,there are techniques to make your smile more nice and even,also you can change shape size and even color with a Smile Makeover,then the facial muscles there are also other techniques to make a final result more harmonic,choose the right proceedure and the correct doctor to help you achieve what you are looking for.

How to fix gummy smile and distorted lower lip/jaw? (photo)

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How to fix gummy smile and distorted lower lip/jaw? (photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Smile Makeover

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