Treating a Gummy Smile with Botox: A Minimally Invasive Solution

A gummy smile — medically known as excessive gingival display — occurs when too much of the gum line shows when smiling. While not a medical concern, it's a common aesthetic issue that many patients feel self-conscious about.

Fortunately, there's a fast, minimally invasive solution that doesn't require surgery: strategic Botox injections.

What Causes a Gummy Smile?

Several factors can contribute:

• •Hyperactive upper lip elevator muscles — the muscles that lift the upper lip contract excessively, pulling the lip too high when smiling
• •Short upper lip — insufficient lip height to cover the gums at full smile
• •Vertical maxillary excess — the upper jaw is slightly longer than average
• •Gingival overgrowth — excess gum tissue

Botox is most effective when the primary cause is hyperactive musculature.

How the Treatment Works

Small doses of Botox are injected into the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN) — the muscle responsible for pulling the upper lip upward. By slightly reducing this muscle's range of motion, the upper lip rests a few millimeters lower when smiling.

The result: your natural smile is preserved, but the gum line is no longer exposed.

What to Expect

Amount used: Very small doses — typically 2–4 units per side Procedure time: 10–15 minutes Onset: 5–7 days Duration: 3–4 months (typically slightly shorter than forehead Botox) Discomfort: Minimal — similar to any other Botox injection

Natural-Looking Results

The goal is subtle adjustment, not eliminating all upper gum visibility. A small amount of gum showing when you smile is natural and attractive — the goal is reducing excessive display, not creating an immobile upper lip.

Dr. Taborga uses the minimum effective dose and evaluates results at follow-up, adjusting at the next treatment if needed.

Limitations

- Works best for hyperactive muscle-caused gummy smile - Less effective if structural (jaw anatomy) is the primary cause - Results are temporary (requires maintenance every 3–4 months) - Requires precise injection placement by an experienced injector — incorrect placement can affect lip movement

Combining with Other Treatments

Gummy smile Botox is often combined with: - Lip filler to add volume and definition - Upper lip flip (Botox along the vermillion border) for a fuller-appearing lip - Comprehensive smile enhancement

Interested in gummy smile treatment? Call (332) 237-3661 to schedule a consultation.