A gummy smile, where excessive gum tissue is visible when smiling, can be treated with Botox (botulinum toxin) injections. Botox for a gummy smile works by relaxing the muscles that control the upper lip's elevation. By reducing the lift of the upper lip, less of the gums are exposed when smiling.
How it Works:
1. Targeted Injection: Botox is typically injected into the levator labii superioris muscle (the one that lifts the upper lip).
2. Effect: The muscle’s activity is reduced, preventing it from pulling the upper lip too high, so the smile appears more balanced and less gummy.
3. Results: The results typically take about 3 to 7 days to become noticeable, and the effects last around 3 to 4 months. After this period, the Botox wears off, and the procedure can be repeated.