The “gummy smile” is a result of the upper lip elevating too much during a smile, showing the gums rather than just the upper teeth.  This can be distressing to some people, as it is often seen in pictures and videos.  

 

The “gummy smile” is a result of overactivity of the muscular elevators of the upper lip. 

 

My treatment for this group of muscles is a neuromodulator (such as Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, or Xeomin).  Typical treatments are less than 5 Units.  Treatment of this area has the effect of lowering the upper lip when smiling.  

 

Neuromodulator treatments in the office take 15 minutes (most of which is spent talking about the treatment and expectations), and the effects are seen as early as 2 days, and by 2 weeks, all of the effects have taken place.  The duration of treatment typically ranges from 3-6 months, depending on the individual patient and dose used.