Dentists have come to the consensus that two millimeters of gum line should ideally show when you smile. If more of your gums are exposed, you may have what’s known as Gummy Smile. Genetics are largely to blame with Gummy Smile causes, including:

• Teeth that are too small
• An excessive overbite
• A short upper lip
• A jaw bone that’s grown too high vertically on the face
• How your lips move when you smile

Although an off-label use, Botox has good efficacy for treating a Gummy Smile. In fact, a 2016 study revealed that 99.6% of subjects were pleased with their smile at the two week mark following treatment.

 By weakening the muscle, a cosmetic injectable treatment will inhibit the upper lip from curling back too far. Specifically, a Neurotoxin injection works to temporarily soften the lip muscles. It’s particularly warranted when the muscle in the upper lip is extremely strong. As a result, less of the gum line will be revealed and your smile will look more natural.

Treatment is very similar to other areas of the face. It’s a quick 10-20 minute procedure, which requires no incisions and makes use of super-fine needles. For Gummy Smile, Botox injection points are typically on the upper lip at the corners of the mouth. Specifically, we typically target the elevator muscle on the mouth, which will decrease its hyperactivity.

With the muscles of the lips more relaxed, the lips will more easily cover the gum line. Essentially, the upper lip will curl up less, and less of your gum line will be revealed when you smile. This effect will last from 3-6 months, at which time Gummy Smile Botox results are maintained with additional treatment.

In general, the goal of the Botox for Gummy Smile is to relax the muscles around the mouth locally, while assuring the mouth still moves. What that means is that a small amount of Botox is needed. Therefore, it typically costs less than other areas, such as Botox for frown lines around the forehead. That said, Botox price and units always depends on your desired treatment outcomes. 

In general, Botox is considered safe. Although, because the mouth is an area that needs to remain mobile, it’s important to seek treatment from a reputable medical spa and a doctor with experience using injectables. This is the best way to avoid the risk of an assymetrical smile or an inability to pucker the lips.

You’re most likely looking for one of the best Botox doctor in NYC. You’ve found him here! Smooth Synergy®’s Medical Director, Dr. George Liakeas, has over 20 years experience administering injectables and holds the distinction of being an Allergan Platinum Provider. He’s not only a trusted medical physician, but has a keen eye for aesthetics. He has a knack for understanding the face and knowing where to place Botox and other injectables, in order to give you natural-looking results.  Call Smooth Synergy® Medical Spa and Laser Center, conveniently located on the Upper East Side Manhattan, New York, at 212-397-0111 to find out more about cosmetic injectables including Botox, Dysport and Xeomin, as well as our comprehensive menu of skincare and beauty treatments. We’re here to help you decide if  Gummy Smile Botox treatment is right for you.