Call Us
NYC Offices
Miami Offices
NYC Offices
Miami Offices
Botox can soften a gummy smile without surgery. A few small injections relax the muscle that pulls the upper lip too high, so less gum shows when you smile. Results appear within days, and there is no downtime. At James Christian Cosmetics, our providers offer this treatment at our New York, Commack, Southampton and Miami Beach locations. Many patients pair it with other lip and smile treatments for a balanced look.
A gummy smile is when a large band of gum tissue shows above the upper teeth during a full smile. There is no strict medical cutoff. Many people notice it when more than a few millimeters of gum are visible.
A gummy smile is not a health problem. For many patients, though, it affects how they feel about photos, laughing or speaking in public. Some people learn to smile with their lips closed to hide it. Treatment is about comfort and confidence, not fixing something “wrong.”
Several factors can lead to extra gum display. Knowing the cause helps decide which treatment makes sense.
An overactive upper lip muscle. The muscle that lifts the upper lip can pull higher than average. This is the most common cause and the one Botox treats.
A short upper lip. When the upper lip is naturally short, it covers less of the gum line.
Excess gum tissue. Some people have gums that cover more of the tooth surface.
Jaw structure. A vertical overgrowth of the upper jaw can push the gum line lower and make it more visible.
Short-looking teeth. Teeth that appear small can make the gums look larger by comparison.
Many patients have more than one cause. Botox works well when muscle movement is a main factor. Structural causes may call for a different approach, which our providers will explain during your visit.
When an overactive lip muscle is behind a gummy smile, Botox is often the simplest fix. It does not cut, move or remove tissue. It relaxes muscle activity so the upper lip sits a little lower when you smile. Our team uses Botox for many smile and lip concerns. Visit our Botox to learn more.
Botox blocks the nerve signals that tell a muscle to contract. When placed into the muscles that raise the upper lip, it softens their pull. The lip still moves. It simply does not rise as far.
The result is a smile that shows more teeth and less gum. Your expressions stay natural because the dose is small and targeted. The goal is a gentle change, not a frozen look.
Gummy smile correction uses a small amount of Botox compared to areas such as the forehead. Many patients need only a few units on each side of the nose. The exact dose depends on:
How much gum shows when you smile
The strength of your lip muscles
Whether both sides of your smile lift evenly
The look you want
Our providers start with a conservative dose. It is easy to add more at a follow-up visit. Taking away an effect that is too strong is not possible, so a careful start protects a natural result.
Treatment is quick and usually takes only a few minutes. Most patients describe the feeling as a brief pinch. No numbing cream is typically needed because the needle is very fine and the injections are few.
You can return to work or normal plans right away. Our team may ask you to avoid rubbing the area and to stay upright for a few hours afterward. You may see the first changes in about 3 to 5 days. The full effect usually settles in around two weeks.
Botox for Gummy Smile: A Non-Surgical Solution appeals to many patients because it is simple, fast and adjustable. It offers a way to test a new smile without a lasting commitment.
Surgical options for a gummy smile include gum contouring, lip repositioning and jaw surgery. These can be the right choice for certain structural causes. They also involve more time, more recovery and permanent change.
Botox offers several advantages:
No incisions. Nothing is cut or stitched.
No recovery period. Most patients go about their day right after treatment.
Temporary results. If you do not love the change, it fades on its own.
Adjustable dosing. Our providers can fine-tune the result at each visit.
A preview. Botox can show how a lower lip line looks before you consider anything permanent.
For patients whose gummy smile comes from muscle activity, Botox is a reliable option. A short visit and a small dose can make a visible difference.
Because the treatment is so brief, many patients combine it with other services. Some add lip filler to give the upper lip more fullness. Others add a lip flip, which we cover below. Our providers look at the whole lower face to plan treatments that work well together. Learn more about our dermal fillers.
A short assessment can tell you whether Botox will help. Our providers watch how your lips and gums move as you smile and talk. They then explain what Botox can and cannot change for you.
You may be a good candidate if:
Your gummy smile is mostly caused by an overactive upper lip muscle
You want a subtle, natural change
You prefer a non-surgical option with no downtime
You are in good general health
You understand that results are temporary and need upkeep
Botox is less effective when the main cause is jaw structure or excess gum tissue. In those cases, our providers will tell you plainly whether Botox is worth trying.
Botox is not a fit for everyone. Let our team know if you:
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have a neuromuscular condition
Have an infection or skin irritation near the treatment area
Have had a reaction to a botulinum toxin product before
Take blood thinners or supplements that increase bruising
Honest answers help our providers plan safe treatment. If Botox is not right for you now, they can suggest other options.
These two treatments are often confused. Both use small amounts of Botox around the mouth, but they target different muscles and solve different problems.
A lip flip relaxes the muscle around the edge of the upper lip. This lets the lip roll slightly outward, so it looks fuller. It is often chosen by patients whose upper lip seems to disappear when they smile.
Gummy smile treatment targets the muscles that lift the upper lip. It lowers the lip line so less gum shows.
Some patients benefit from both. Our team offers the Botox Upper Lip Flip as well as gummy smile treatment, and our providers can explain which one fits your goals.
Most patients see early changes within a few days and full results in about two weeks. Gummy smile results usually last around 3 to 4 months. The mouth moves often, so results here may fade a little sooner than in other areas.
With regular treatments, some patients find their results last longer over time. Our providers will suggest a schedule that keeps your smile consistent. Some patients also ask about Dysport injections, another neurotoxin we offer.
Botox has been used for cosmetic treatment for many years. Side effects from gummy smile treatment are usually mild and short-lived. They can include:
Small red marks or mild swelling at injection sites
Light bruising
A brief headache
A smile that feels slightly different at first
Rarely, the lip may feel too relaxed or the smile may look uneven. These effects wear off as the Botox fades. A careful, conservative dose lowers the chance of these effects. Our providers can also adjust the result at a follow-up visit.
Botox for Gummy Smile: A Non-Surgical Solution offers a quick way to show less gum and more teeth. It works when an overactive lip muscle is the cause. The treatment takes minutes, needs no downtime and lasts about 3 to 4 months. Our providers, James Christian and Cassandra Trimarco, Physician Assistant, can assess your smile and build a plan around your goals. Find the office nearest you on our locations.
About the Author
TIMELESS RESULTS,
NEW YOU
James Christian
Discover other insightful and engaging content from our blog
NYC Offices
Miami Offices
