A gummy smile occurs when an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth when smiling. This condition can result from several factors, including:

• Overactive Upper Lip Muscles: Some individuals have hyperactive muscles in the upper lip that lift it higher than normal, exposing more gum tissue.
• Excessive Gum Tissue Growth: This can occur due to genetics, hormonal changes, or certain medications.
• Short or Small Teeth: Teeth that appear shorter due to wear, genetics, or excessive gum coverage can contribute to a gummy smile.
• Jaw Development: An overgrowth of the upper jaw (vertical maxillary excess) can lead to a gummy appearance when smiling.

Understanding the root cause of a gummy smile is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan.

Although a gummy smile is often considered a cosmetic issue, it can significantly impact a person’s self-esteem and emotional well-being. Individuals with a visible gum tissue smile may feel self-conscious, avoiding smiling or covering their mouths during social interactions.

This lack of confidence can affect both personal and professional relationships, leading to decreased satisfaction with their oral health and appearance. Correcting a gummy smile often results in a renewed sense of confidence, helping individuals feel more comfortable sharing their pearly whites.

In some cases, this may be caused by an underlying issue with the position of the jaw. In these situations, this can appear as a bad bite, deep bite or improper bite and may only be treated by looking down the surgical approach. Jaw surgery may be recommended to reposition the jaw and create a more balanced facial profile for an appealing smile. 

Jaw surgery is typically reserved for more severe cases and is performed under general anaesthesia. Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the procedure. PHI Clinic London does not perform this treatment.

An alternative to jaw surgery is seeking professional advice from an orthodontist. Orthodontic treatment by a cosmetic dentist is another effective option for addressing this by seeking out a dental procedure. By straightening crooked teeth or misaligned teeth, orthodontic treatment can help balance the proportions of your smile and reduce the appearance of extra gum tissue.

By visiting an oral surgeon or dental professional, in some cases, your orthodontist may also recommend using mini-implants or temporary anchorage devices to help move your natural teeth and achieve the desired results.

Common treatments for a perfect smile is Botulinum toxin (commonly referred to as anti-wrinkle injections) which involves injecting small amounts of Botox into the muscles that control the movement of the upper lip muscle. This treatment is used to address a gummy smile, which is a term used to describe a smile in which a significant portion of the gums are visible when a person smiles.

By weakening the muscles responsible for lifting the upper lip, Botox can help to reduce the amount of tissue that is visible, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing smile. The effects of injectable treatment typically last for several months before additional injections may be required to maintain the results.

Botox treatment is a simple procedure and a minimally invasive procedure that's an ideal option for patients who want to achieve quick, predictable results without undergoing surgery for a beautiful smile. This treatment is performed here at our multi award winning London cosmetic clinic by our team of highly medical professionals. 

Treating a gummy smile offers numerous benefits that go beyond improving aesthetics:

• Balanced Smile Proportions: Treatments address the teeth-to-gums ratio, creating a more natural and appealing look.
• Increased Confidence: Many patients feel more comfortable smiling and interacting with others after a gummy smile procedure.
• Improved Oral Health: Removing excessive growth of gum tissue can help reduce the risk of gum disease and improve overall oral health.
• Customised Solutions: Modern aesthetic procedures are tailored to each patient, ensuring natural-looking and long-lasting results.

Laser gum contouring is an advanced, non-invasive treatment that reshapes gingival tissue to enhance smile aesthetics. Using precision laser technology, this gummy smile correction procedure removes excess gum tissue, creating a balanced and symmetrical gum line.

The treatment is typically completed in one session and provides immediate results with minimal discomfort. Laser gum contouring is ideal for patients with uneven gum lines or excessive gum tissue that makes their teeth appear short. By creating a more harmonious smile, this aesthetic procedure is a popular choice for addressing gummy smiles effectively.

Aftercare is essential to ensure optimal results from gummy smile treatments. For Botox, patients should:

• Avoid touching or massaging the treated area for 24 hours.
• Stay upright for at least four hours to prevent the Botox from spreading.
• Refrain from intense physical activity or excessive facial movements for 24–48 hours.

For laser gum contouring or surgical procedures, aftercare may include:

• Eating a soft diet to avoid irritating the treated area.
• Using prescribed mouth rinses to support healing and prevent infection.
• Avoiding smoking and alcohol, as they can slow recovery.

Detailed aftercare instructions will be provided by your practitioner to ensure long-lasting, effective results.

The effects of Botox for gummy smile correction typically last between 3–4 months. Regular maintenance sessions are recommended to sustain the results and prevent the return of excessive gingival display.

Botox is a cosmetic treatment that uses botulinum toxin injections to relax overactive upper lip muscles. For gummy smile correction, this treatment method reduces the elevation of the upper lip, limiting the visibility of gum tissue when smiling. Botox is a minimally invasive procedure offering quick, predictable results that last for several months.

Botox is a minimally invasive procedure, and most patients experience only mild discomfort. To enhance comfort, practitioners may use a topical numbing cream or ice pack during the treatment. Any redness or swelling at the injection site typically resolves within a few hours, allowing patients to resume their daily activities.

Gummy smile treatments are suitable for individuals who:

• Are in good general health.
• Feel self-conscious about their visible gum tissue.
• Have realistic expectations about the outcomes of their chosen procedure.
• Are committed to following aftercare instructions to maintain results.

A consultation with an experienced practitioner is necessary to determine the best gummy smile treatment option, whether it involves Botox, laser gum contouring, or surgery.