TLDR
Botox is one of several options for correcting a gummy smile. It can be especially effective when hyperactive upper-lip muscles are the underlying cause. At Matthews Dental Spa, gummy smile Botox can give you a natural-looking smile that you’re proud to show off.
People with a gummy smile show more gum tissue than they’d like when they smile. While some embrace their smile, others may feel self-conscious about how much gum they show.
If excessive gum tissue is visible when you smile, and it bothers you, gummy smile Botox may be right for you.
Our cosmetic dentists in Matthews, NC, Dr. Tran, Dr. Javed, and Dr. Hoang, explain how Botox fits among the different ways to address a gummy smile and what to expect during treatment.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile can result from short clinical crowns, excess gum tissue, a short upper lip, changes in the upper jaw, or other factors that generally cause 3 to 4 mm or more of gum to show when smiling.
Hyperactive Lip Muscles
A short upper lip can contribute to a gummy smile. Hyperactive upper-lip muscles can also make the lip rise higher than usual when you smile, exposing more gums.
How Does Botox Compare With Other Gummy Smile Treatments?
Botox is short for botulinum toxin, a treatment used to reduce wrinkles and frown lines and manage certain muscle movements.
But can you use Botox for a gummy smile? Absolutely.
The best treatment depends on what is causing your gummy smile.
Gummy Smile Botox
Our gummy smile Botox treatment in Matthews reduces movement in the upper lip muscles. We inject it at specific locations to temporarily reduce muscle activity. If hyperactive lip muscles are causing your gummy smile, Botox may help correct it.
Laser Crown Lengthening
If you have short-looking teeth, your teeth may not actually be short. You may simply have more gum tissue covering them. Laser crown lengthening is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth.
Surgical Lip Repositioning
If your gummy smile is due to lip position, our dentists in Matthews, NC, may recommend surgical lip repositioning. The procedure helps prevent the elevator muscles in your upper lip from lifting it too high above your teeth.
What to Expect During Your Gummy Smile Botox Visit at Matthews Dental Spa
Your gummy smile Botox appointments follow a simple, practical process from your initial assessment to treatment.
Initial Assessment
Your appointment begins with a comprehensive assessment. Our dentist will review your medical and dental history, previous procedures, and treatment goals.
Next, we examine your oral health to determine what is causing your gummy smile, then discuss your treatment options and expected results.
Precise Botox Placement
We inject small doses of Botox at carefully selected points around the upper lip. Targeted placement helps relax the muscles responsible for excessive gum display without affecting surrounding facial muscles.
Quick and Comfortable Treatment
You don’t need to take time off for recovery after Botox.
The treatment can be completed in one visit, and you can return to your normal activities shortly afterward. We’ll keep you comfortable throughout the procedure and provide aftercare instructions.
Natural-Looking Results
Our Botox for a gummy smile will subtly improve your smile without making it look like you have had work done. You will start showing less gum within a few days, with the full effect becoming clearer over the following two weeks.
How Long Does Botox for a Gummy Smile Last?
Gummy smile Botox typically lasts about 4 to 6 months, depending on how your body responds to the treatment. After that time, our dentist will reassess the results and let you know whether reinjection is needed.
Why Consider Gummy Smile Botox in Matthews?
Botox provides a non-surgical way to reduce excessive gum display, especially when a hyperactive upper lip contributes to your gummy smile.
Whether you are exploring Botox for the first time or returning for a follow-up assessment, our team at Matthews Dental Spa will provide care tailored to you.
We offer Botox for gummy smiles and can help you determine whether it is right for you. Schedule an appointment today to begin your journey toward a more confident, natural-looking smile.
Key Takeaways
- Botox can reduce excessive gum exposure when hyperactive upper-lip muscles cause a gummy smile.
- The treatment is fast, comfortable, and requires little downtime.
- Results typically last about 4 to 6 months, and you may need a follow-up assessment or reinjection afterward.
- Dr. Tran, Dr. Javed, and Dr. Hoang at Matthews Dental Spa offer Botox for gummy smiles to help patients achieve a natural-looking result.
