Anti-wrinkle · 3 min read
Gummy smile treatment explained
Some people feel they show more gum than they would like when smiling. Here is how anti-wrinkle treatment can gently soften a gummy smile.
A gummy smile is when more of the upper gum shows than you would like when you smile. It is very common and perfectly natural. Some people never give it a second thought. Others feel self-conscious and find themselves smiling with their mouth closed in photos.
For some people, a small amount of anti-wrinkle treatment can make a gentle difference.
What causes a gummy smile
There are several possible reasons why gums show more when smiling:
- Strong muscles that lift the upper lip high when you smile
- A short upper lip
- The way the teeth and gums have developed
- The position of the upper jaw
Often it is a mix of these. Anti-wrinkle treatment can only help where muscle activity is part of the cause. If the gummy smile is mainly due to teeth, gums or jaw structure, a dentist or orthodontist may be the right person to speak to.
How the treatment works
A few muscles work together to lift the upper lip when we smile. The main one involved in a gummy smile is the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi, which runs along the side of the nose.
A very small amount of anti-wrinkle treatment is placed into this muscle on each side. This gently reduces how high the lip lifts. The result is that less gum shows when you smile. The smile should still look natural and relaxed.
What to expect
The treatment is quick. Usually only one or two small injections are needed on each side of the nose. Most people find it very manageable.
Changes often start to show after a few days and are usually settled by around two weeks. A free review appointment around two weeks after treatment is included. This is especially helpful for the gummy smile, as small differences between the two sides can sometimes be balanced.
Results for most people last around three to four months, though this varies.
Possible side effects
Bruising, mild swelling and tenderness at the injection points are the most common side effects. Because the muscles around the mouth affect how we smile and speak, there is a small chance of the smile feeling different for a while. Occasionally the smile can look uneven or the upper lip may look a little longer.
These effects are temporary. Using a small, careful dose helps keep the smile looking natural.
Combining with other treatments
Some people with a gummy smile also notice their upper lip looks thin when smiling. In this case a lip flip may be discussed as well. Your consultation will look at your whole smile to decide what makes sense.
Is it right for you
Anti-wrinkle injections are a prescription-only medicine. Whether they are suitable is always decided at a face-to-face consultation with a prescriber. Results vary and no specific outcome can be promised.
It is important to have realistic expectations. Anti-wrinkle treatment can soften a gummy smile but it will not change the structure of your teeth or jaw.
If your smile has been on your mind, Lucy would be happy to talk it through at a free 15-minute consultation in Addlestone.
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