Do you feel you have too much gum when you smile? Known as a “gummy smile,” this is when a large portion of the upper gums is visible when smiling. This can often make people feel self-conscious about their smile. But there’s a simple, non-surgical solution using neuromodulators to quickly and effectively rebalance your smile and bring out your natural confidence.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile can be caused by several factors, including:
- Overactive upper lip muscles that lift the lip too high when smiling
- A short upper lip
- Excess gum tissue
- Small or underdeveloped teeth
While some of these causes may require surgical correction, gummy smiles caused by hyperactive muscles can be easily treated with a neuromodulator (also known as neurotoxin, such as Botox® or Dysport®) injection.
How Neuromodulators Treat a Gummy Smile
Neuromodulators work by temporarily relaxing the levator labii superioris muscles, the ones that raise your upper lip. When these muscles are gently weakened, your upper lip doesn’t lift as high when you smile, which reduces the amount of gum that shows.
This approach is:
- Minimally invasive
- Quick
- Virtually painless
- Requires no downtime
Most patients start seeing results within 3–5 days, with full effects visible by two weeks. The treatment typically lasts 3–4 months, though it can vary depending on factors such as metabolism and muscle activity. With consistent treatment, results can be maintained long term.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Your injector will:
- Evaluate your smile to determine if you’re a good candidate.
- Carefully mark the areas where the neuromodulator should be placed.
- Use a tiny needle to inject 1–2 small doses into the target muscles near the nose.
It’s fairly simple. There’s no numbing, no recovery time, and you can return to your normal routine right away.
Does a Lip Flip Treat a Gummy Smile?
A lip flip uses a small amount of neuromodulator to relax the muscles around the upper lip. When these muscles are relaxed, the lip “flips” slightly upward and outward, creating the appearance of a fuller, more defined upper lip without adding volume.
This treatment can limit how high the lip lifts when you smile, so it can reduce gum exposure in a subtle way. Generally, neuromodulator placed higher in the muscles that lift the lip are a more direct and effective solution for most gummy smile cases, but for some patients, the best results combine both techniques.
Is Treatment for a Gummy Smile Right for You?
If your gummy smile is caused by overactive lip movement, neuromodulator injections can be a simple and effective solution. The first step is a personalized consultation with one of our nurse injectors to assess your facial anatomy and smile, discuss your goals, and recommend the treatment that will give you the best, most natural-looking results.
You deserve to feel confident in your smile. If a gummy smile has been holding you back, Botox injections might be the easy, subtle fix you’ve been looking for.
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