Gummy smile affecting your confidence? There are a number of ways to treat it if that’s what you wish to do. And one treatment that can give incredible results uses the same product that smooths wrinkles! Yep - the same stuff that’s used to treat forwn lines and Crow's feet. So, exactly how do you treat a gummy smile? And what are the results like? I spoke to Aesthetics Nurse Lucy - Lucy Foster - who explains the benefits, and shows us some incredible gummy smile before and afters.
How to Treat a Gummy Smile with Botox
What is a gummy smile?
First up, what exactly is a gummy smile? The fact that you’re here looking at this article probably means you have a gummy smile. But do you know much about what that really means? While there are no major health issues connected to having a gummy smile, it can affect self-esteem, so many look for ways to correct it. Aesthetics Nurse Lucy Foster is an absolute pro when it comes to treating a gummy smile, and she knows a thing or two about the issue.
Lucy explains, “A gummy smile, otherwise known as excessive gingival display, is when gum tissue is exposed when you smile. An article by the International Journal of Surgery Case reports (IJSCR) describes a gummy smile as when more than two millimetres of exposed gum is on show. For some people this can affect self-confidence, with many patients describing a discouragement of wanting to smile in photographs.”
What gummy smile treatments are available?
A common question is, “can a gummy smile be fixed?”. And yes - when it comes to treating a gummy smile, there are multiple options. For example, there’s crown lengthening (gingivectomy), surgery, and - the one that we’re here for - tiny injections of a wrinkle relaxers. Yep, the same treatment that smooths your forehead has so many incredible ways.
Lucy says, “There are many advanced uses of botulinum toxin (commonly known as Botox), including treatment of a gummy smile.
As a medical professional and aesthetic injector, my patients’ best interests are always number one priority. Therefore, before recommending botulinum toxin treatment to help relax overactive lip muscles, I will always suggest my patient discusses alternative options with their dentist, so that they can make a clear, informed decision. Not all gummy smiles can be corrected in this way, which is why it is so important to visit a medical professional who will guide you through your decision making."
How does gummy smile toxin work?
Ok, so we know that there are various ways to fix a gummy smile, and that wrinkle relaxing injections is one of them. But how exactly does it work? How long do gummy smile results last? And who should you see if you want gummy smile correction without surgery?
Lucy explains, “Botulinum toxin is a temporary way of correcting a gummy smile, by targeting hyperactive lip elevator muscles. It is a minimally invasive treatment that must always be done by a medical professional, with correct training and experience in advanced aesthetic injectables.
A small amount of botulinum toxin is injected at what we call the ‘Yonsei Point’, which is the confluence of three essential muscles - the levator labii superioris, the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi and the zygomaticus minor. The accuracy, depth and dose injected are all really important factors to ensure successful results.
Results begin to show after three to five days, with full results at around two weeks. For some patients, it may take a couple of treatments to reach desired results as everyone is individual and responses will vary.
As explained earlier, results are temporary and are expected to last anywhere between eight weeks to six months, depending on individual responses. Repeat treatments must be kept to a minimum of three months apart and no sooner.”
Before and after: Gummy smile treatment results
What results can you achieve with gummy smile treatment? Lucy has seen some fantastic results, and has thrilled patients with the treatment. And you can see why people love gummy smile treatments with results like these...
Speaking about the results she's helped patients achieve, Lucy says, “I have, personally, witnessed some wonderful, natural-looking gummy smile results in clinic. Many patients feedback how quick and pain-free the treatment is, with results providing them with new found confidence. My favourite feedback so far is, 'I am absolutely thrilled with the result, it’s something I’ve been so conscious about but now I can’t wait to smile through my wedding day!'”
Who knew that tiny toxin could do so much? It’s the treatment that just keeps on giving. And the fact that it helps boost confidence is really the icing on the cake!
So, there you have it. Gummy smile treatments explained! And a pretty amazing example of what it can do. But, remember, speak to a health professional to see what course of action they'd recommend for you. And if they think gummy smile treatment will work for you, great! You can find out tonnes more about the treatment in our handy guide.
Ready to book your gummy smile treatment? Find a medically qualified practitioner in your area on Glowday.
