Gummy smile correction with botulinum toxin

A smile is said to be gummy if more than 2 or 3 mm of gum is visible during sustained smiling; this is confirmed on forced smiling. Possible causes of gummy smile:

• Anatomically small tooth crowns
• Anatomically short upper lip
• Anatomically high maxillary jaw
• Increased upper lip activity

Treatment depends on the cause.

If height of tooth crowns and maxillary jaw is normal, problem can be solved by limiting the contraction of levator muscle of the upper lip. This is done by injecting a small dose of botulinum toxin into the muscle. Lip activity – elevation – decreases.

The procedure should be repeated every 4-6 months.