A gummy smile is when more of the gum above the upper teeth is visible when you smile. For some people this is simply part of their natural facial anatomy, while for others it can make them feel self-conscious about smiling in photographs or showing their teeth fully.
At Pure Perfection, we look at the way your upper lip moves when you smile, as well as your individual facial proportions. Where excessive upper lip movement is contributing to a gummy smile, carefully placed anti-wrinkle treatment can be used to create a subtle, natural-looking adjustment.
What is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile, sometimes referred to as excessive gingival display, describes a smile where a greater amount of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth.
There is no single definition of how much gum is ‘too much’. What matters is whether the appearance of your smile bothers you and what is causing it.
In some people, the muscles responsible for lifting the upper lip are particularly active. When you smile, the lip lifts higher and exposes more of the gums. In these cases, reducing some of this muscle activity may help create a more balanced smile.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile can be influenced by several aspects of your natural anatomy, including the movement and length of the upper lip, the position and size of the teeth and gums, and the underlying structure of the upper jaw.
For aesthetic injectable treatment, one of the most relevant causes is an overactive upper lip. Strong muscle contraction can lift the lip higher than usual when smiling, exposing more gum tissue.
Because not every gummy smile is caused by muscle activity, assessment is important. Anti-wrinkle treatment will only be appropriate when the way the upper lip moves is contributing to the concern.
Treatments for a Gummy Smile at Pure Perfection
Anti-Wrinkle Treatment
Anti-wrinkle injections can be used for suitable gummy smiles where excessive upper lip movement is contributing to the amount of gum visible when smiling.
A small amount of treatment is carefully placed into specific muscles responsible for lifting the upper lip. By temporarily reducing their activity, the lip does not elevate quite as much during a smile, helping to reduce gum exposure.
This is a precise treatment. The aim is not to stop the upper lip moving, but to create a subtle reduction in excessive movement while maintaining a natural smile and normal facial expression.
Your smile and facial movement will be assessed before treatment to establish whether this approach is suitable for you.
FAQs
Can anti-wrinkle injections treat a gummy smile?
Yes, when excessive movement of the upper lip is contributing to the gummy smile. Small amounts of anti-wrinkle treatment can reduce the activity of the muscles that elevate the lip.
Will treatment change the way I smile?
The aim is to make a subtle adjustment to how high the upper lip lifts rather than prevent it from moving. Careful dosing and placement help maintain a natural-looking smile.
Is every gummy smile caused by an overactive upper lip?
No. Tooth and gum proportions, upper lip anatomy and the structure of the jaw can also influence how much gum is visible. This is why assessment is important before treatment.
How long does gummy smile treatment last?
Anti-wrinkle treatment is temporary. Muscle activity gradually returns over time, and repeat treatment may be considered if you would like to maintain the result.
When will I see the results?
Anti-wrinkle treatment does not work immediately. The effect develops gradually following treatment, and your practitioner will explain what to expect and when your result can be properly assessed.