3-5 DAYS
10-15 minutes
Only one session is needed every 3 to 4 months.
none
A gummy smile is when more than 2–3 mm of the upper gum is exposed while smiling.
Yes, Botox can reduce upper lip movement and minimize gum exposure when smiling.
Avoid strenuous activity, lying flat, or touching the injection site for 4–6 hours.
No, you can resume daily activities immediately, with a few aftercare precautions.
It cannot be reversed instantly, but the effect fades naturally over time.
Background: When a Smile Calls for Balance
A smile may brighten a room, but for certain individuals it could seem as if it highlights the incorrect spot—their gums. Medically referred to as excessive gingival display, a gummy grin results from a notable section of the upper gums showing themselves when smiling. Though totally benign medically, it may affect face harmony and confidence.
Botox (Botulinum Toxin)—a minimally invasive operation that helps relax the upper lip muscles, therefore enabling a more balanced and natural-looking smile—is one of the most successful non-surgical therapies for this disease. This post delves further into how Botox may cure gummy grins, who is qualified, what the treatment entails, anticipated outcomes, dangers, and how it stacks with other therapies.
Explain a Gummy Smile
Usually speaking, a gummy grin is one in which the gum tissue displays more than two to three millimeters over the front teeth. Many, particularly when it throws off the proportionate balance between lips, teeth, and gums, find it visually unpleasant.
Overactive muscles raise the upper lip too high
Gingival hypertrophy (excessive gum tissue)
Excessive tooth eruption or short upper lip
Jaw development issues (vertical maxillary excess)
Understanding the fundamental cause determines the most suitable treatment strategy.
Why Would One Choose Botox for a Gummy Smile?
Botox is widely known for relaxing facial muscles and reducing wrinkle appearance. For gummy grins caused by hyperactive upper lips, Botox is a highly successful non-surgical option.
Minimally invasive (no surgery)
Quick results (seen in a few days)
Little to no downtime
Reversible and adjustable
Cost-effective compared to orthodontics or surgery
Botox targets specific muscles—mostly the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi—to lower the height of the upper lip when smiling.
Who Qualifies as an Ideal Candidate?
Not every gummy smile results from muscle activity, so Botox isn’t always appropriate.
Display more than 3mm of gum when smiling
Normal gum and jaw structure, but overactive lip muscles
Seek non-surgical, temporary correction
Are in good overall health
Are not pregnant or nursing
Have realistic expectations
Proper assessment by an aesthetic practitioner is key to determining eligibility.
Botox Procedure Mechanism
The procedure is quick and simple, typically performed in a clinical setting.
Medical consultation
Smile assessment and photos
Explanation of expected outcomes
Injector identifies key muscles
2–4 Botox units are injected per side
Injection sites are at the base of the nose
Takes around 10–15 minutes
No recovery time needed
Avoid alcohol, strenuous activity, and lying flat for a few hours
Results appear in 3–5 days; full effects in 1–2 weeks
What Expected Results Should You Get?
Botox doesn’t freeze the smile—it simply softens lip movement to reduce gum visibility.
Less gum exposure
Improved facial balance
Subtle, natural changes
Duration: 3–4 months (touch-ups may be needed)
Patients often feel more confident and satisfied after just one session.
Is Safety Guaranteed?
Botox is considered very safe when done by a qualified injector.
Minor swelling or bruising
Temporary asymmetry
Overcorrection (stiff upper lip if too much is injected)
Rare allergic reaction
Proper technique and dosing minimize these risks.
Botox Comparatively to Other Gummy Smile Procedures
Permanent
Suitable for anatomical causes
Invasive and requires downtime
Mildly invasive
Semi-permanent
Surgical risks involved
Great for bite correction or tooth eruption
Expensive and time-consuming
Best for muscular causes
Fast, affordable, reversible
Can be combined with other procedures
Upkeep and Follow-Up
Botox is temporary, so regular maintenance is required.
Repeat every 3–4 months
Avoid touching the area post-treatment
Follow aftercare instructions
Consider combining with other aesthetic treatments
Over time, muscles may adapt, requiring fewer touch-ups.
In Essence, Little Change, Great Smile
Botox for a gummy smile is a refined, effective solution for muscle-related smile imbalance. It offers a non-surgical path to a natural, confident look. With the right provider, the results are subtle, beautiful, and empowering.
If you're ready to smile more boldly and naturally, a simple Botox session might be all it takes.
