Gummy Smile
A gummy smile is a term used to describe a smile where a significant amount of the gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth when a person smiles. Typically, when a person smiles, only a small amount of gum tissue is visible, and the focus is on the teeth. However, in some cases, the upper lip rises too high, exposing more of the gum tissue than is considered aesthetically pleasing.
A gummy smile can occur due to a variety of factors, including genetics, abnormal tooth eruption, an overgrowth of the gum tissue, or an overactive muscle that controls the upper lip’s movement. While a gummy smile is not considered a medical condition, it can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem and confidence. Fortunately, there are several treatments available, including Botulinum toxin injections and gum contouring, that can help reduce the appearance of a gummy smile and improve a person’s smile’s overall aesthetic.
At Rejuvenation Rooms, we use Botox, which is a neurotoxin that is commonly used to treat a gummy smile. When a person smiles, the muscles around their mouth contract, pulling their lips up and exposing their teeth. However, in some cases, the muscles responsible for this movement are overactive, causing the upper lip to rise too high and exposing more of the gum tissue than desired.
To treat a gummy smile, Botox is injected into the overactive muscles that control the upper lip’s movement. Botox works by blocking the nerve impulses that cause these muscles to contract, reducing their activity and limiting the amount of gum tissue that is exposed when a person smiles. Dermal fillers can also be used to help address a gummy smile by adding volume to the upper lip, which can help to cover the excess gum tissue and reduce the visibility of the gums when a person smiles. By adding filler to the upper lip, the lip is plumped up, which results in a reduction of the amount of gum tissue that is visible.
