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Botox for Gummy Smile
Is there anything else besides jaw surgery that will work for my gummy smile?
A few units of botox/dysport can relax the muscle that causes the lip to raise when you're smiling. This works by weakening the muscle that pulls the lip up too high, so it simply can't rise as far when you smile. It's best suited for a gummy smile that comes from an overactive lip muscle rather than one caused by extra gum tissue, a short lip, or a jaw issue, so a proper evaluation matters before treatment. You'll usually notice the effect within a few days, with the full result visible by about two weeks. The result is temporary but should last about 3 months before gradually wearing off. Make sure to see a board-certified, experienced injector to minimize risks of lip ptosis or smile asymmetry, and let them know right away if you notice drooping or trouble with speech or eating after treatment.
Clinical Context
A gummy smile can come from an overactive upper lip muscle, a short lip, extra gum tissue, or a jaw that positions the upper teeth too low. Botox works only on the muscle-driven type — it weakens the muscle that pulls the lip up too high when smiling. If the cause is bone or tissue rather than muscle, Botox won't create lasting improvement, and surgery or other treatment aimed at that structure is usually needed instead.
