Botox for Gummy Smiles

Several factors can contribute to a gummy smile. These include the way your teeth have grown and their size, the size of your lips, an overgrowth of your jaw, and a hyperactive upper lip.

If you have botulinum toxin injections to treat your gummy smile, then you can expect a quick (less than an hour) and pain-free procedure. You'll just feel a sharp scratch as the injections go in.

There may be some redness and swelling around injection points, but this will calm down after a few hours. Normal activity can resume immediately after treatment.

The full result of gummy smile reduction treatment usually takes two weeks to take effect and will last three to six months.

Side effects from Botox and other brands of botulinum toxins are rare, but can include:

• Headaches

• Asymmetric smile

• Swelling, pain and bruising around the injection site

• Allergic reaction

• Dry eyes or mouth

The most dangerous complications are double vision and difficulty breathing, but these are thankfully extremely rare.

If you experience any side effects or complications, contact your practitioner immediately.

Find someone with specific experience in treating gummy smiles. Lots of practitioners will use Botox for general lines and wrinkles, but won't be well-versed in injecting this area.

We highly recommend that you only undergo treatment with a medically-qualified professional, who will have undergone training in anatomy and physiology, as well as be accountable to a regulatory body such as the General Medical Council (GMC), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), or General Dental Council (GDC).

They should also be able to advise you of the risks of injectable treatment and be confident in handling complications if they arise. Any issues should be discussed at your review appointment and further adjustments can be made to achieve your desired results if necessary.

Check out our handy guide for finding a practitioner you can trust to give you a natural smile with Botox injections.