How do you recognise a gummy smile?

Every smile is unique, but with a gummy smile a visible amount of gum shows above the upper teeth. A smile is usually described as “gummy” when more than 3 to 4 millimetres of gum is visible when smiling. This can occur on one or both sides of the mouth, and ranges from mild to pronounced.

Many people only become aware of it when they see photos of themselves or receive comments about it. Although it is not a medical problem, it can affect how someone feels about their appearance.

What causes a gummy smile?

Several factors can contribute to a gummy smile. It is usually a combination of anatomical features, muscle tension and the position of the teeth.

Common causes are:

Overactive muscles in the upper lip: The muscles that lift the upper lip are too active, so the lip moves further up than average when smiling.
Short upper lip: An anatomically shorter upper lip means the gums become visible more quickly when smiling.
Gum overgrowth: The gums cover more of the teeth than normal, making them look shorter.
Long upper jaw (vertical maxillary excess): The bone of the upper jaw is relatively long, making the gums more visible.
Orthodontic factors: An abnormal position of the teeth or jaw can also contribute to a gummy smile.

The exact cause can differ from person to person. A good analysis is therefore important for choosing the right treatment.

Why is a gummy smile experienced as bothersome?

A gummy smile is purely cosmetic. It has no effect on the health of the teeth, gums or muscles. Even so, it can affect the balance of the face and make someone self-conscious about their smile. In social situations, this can lead people to smile less freely or try to hide their mouth when talking or laughing.

Your smile is an important part of your facial expression. When someone feels held back in this, it can affect their self-confidence. That is why some people choose to have their gummy smile treated, even though it is not medically necessary.

Which treatments are possible?

The right treatment depends on the cause of the gummy smile. In many cases, a non-surgical treatment with botox is enough to make the gums less visible. Sometimes a different or additional approach is needed.

1. Botox for an overactive upper lip

When the gummy smile is caused by an overactive muscle (the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi), a small amount of botox in this area can temporarily reduce the muscle activity. As a result, the upper lip pulls up less far when you smile, so the gums become less visible.

This treatment is:

Quick (about 10 minutes)
Almost pain-free
Temporary (effect lasts 3 to 4 months)
Natural in its result

With botox you can still smile normally, but the movement of the lip becomes a little more subtle. The treatment is particularly suitable for mild to moderate gummy smiles that are not caused by structural abnormalities of the teeth or jaw.

2. Dental or orthodontic treatment

If the gummy smile is the result of the position of the teeth or a crown that is too short, a dental solution can help. Think of:

Lengthening the tooth crowns
Gum correction (gingivectomy)
Braces for crooked or protruding teeth

A dentist or orthodontist can assess whether this applies to you. This treatment is therefore not carried out at Kliniek het Bolwerk. Search Google yourself to find a clinic for cosmetic dentistry.

3. Surgical jaw correction (only in exceptional cases)

For severe gummy smiles caused by excessive growth of the upper jaw (vertical maxillary excess), surgical jaw correction may be considered. This is an intensive procedure and is only used if other treatments are not effective or when there are functional complaints.

For most people with a gummy smile, however, this step is not necessary.

Jaw surgery treatments are not carried out at Kliniek het Bolwerk either. Look for an oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic near you.

Is botox for a gummy smile safe?

Botox has been used safely around the world for decades for cosmetic and medical purposes. When used correctly and by an experienced doctor, treating a gummy smile with botox is safe, effective and very accessible.

The right dosage and placement are essential. Relaxing the muscle too much can lead to stiff or unnatural lip movement. That is why it is important that the treatment is carried out by a doctor with knowledge of the anatomy and experience in this specific area of indication.

What does the treatment process look like?

A botox treatment for a gummy smile usually goes as follows:

The consultation: The doctor assesses the cause of the gummy smile, discusses your wishes and checks whether you are suitable for treatment with botox.
The treatment: During the treatment, small injections are given into the muscle that pulls up the upper lip.
The Aftercare: No recovery time is needed. You can return to your daily activities straight away.
The Result: After 3 to 5 days the effect starts to become visible. You see the optimal result after about 10 days.
The Duration: The effect lasts 3 to 4 months on average, depending on the botulinum toxin used. After that, the muscle activity gradually returns.

Many people choose to repeat the treatment 2 to 3 times a year for a lasting result.

Conclusion

A gummy smile is a common and harmless variation in the way we smile. Even so, it can make you feel less free to smile fully. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available, of which botox is the most accessible and popular.

By subtly reducing the muscle activity of the upper lip, the gums become less visible when you smile, without changing your facial expressions. The treatment is quick, safe and gives a natural result, provided it is carried out by an experienced doctor.

Not sure whether your gummy smile is suitable for treatment? Then a consultation with a plastic surgeon is the first step. Based on an analysis of your face and smile movements, it can be determined which treatment suits you best.

At Kliniek het Bolwerk in Haarlem, you can come to us for fillers or lip fillers.