A “gummy smile” occurs when more than 3 to 4 millimetres of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth while smiling. This can make people feel self-conscious and hesitant to smile freely. According to a UK study, approximately 7% of men and 14% of women exhibit a gummy smile when smiling fully. Plus, interestingly enough, the condition is more prevalent in women than men.

Traditionally, gum contouring was done surgically. This means reshaping or removing excess gum tissue with lasers or scalpels. While effective, surgical gum contouring involves downtime, discomfort, and sometimes high costs. But, at No Filter Clinic, we use modern aesthetic treatments to enhance your smile without the surgery, and the downtime associated with it.

The Real Question Is, Why Does My Smile Show So Much Gum?

The clinical term for a gummy smile is excessive gingival display (EGD).

This condition can have several causes, including hyperactive upper lip muscles that lift the lip too high when smiling. It can also result from excess gum tissue covering part of the teeth, making them appear shorter, or from altered tooth eruption, where teeth do not fully emerge through the gums.

Non-Surgical Gum Contouring

In recent years, non-surgical treatments like Botox and dermal fillers have become popular as easy, minimally invasive options.

Botox For Gum Contouring

Botox (Botulinum toxin) is a neuromodulator that works by temporarily relaxing overactive muscles. For patients with a gummy smile, we use wrinkle-relaxing injections to relax the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN) and surrounding muscles. These muscles normally lift the upper lip. This means, by restricting how much they move, less gum tissue is exposed when smiling.

In one study involving 23 female patients, a significant reduction in gingival display was observed, with an average improvement of 99.65%, and the treatment was well-received with no adverse effects reported. Another study by Soris et al. found that 67% of patients expressed high satisfaction immediately after Botox treatment for their gummy smiles.

Meaning, this approach is particularly effective for patients whose gummy smile is caused by hyperactive lip muscles, rather than by underlying gum or bone structure and offers great results.

Dermal Fillers for Gum Contouring

Dermal fillers are another powerful tool for smile aesthetics. Instead of targeting muscle activity, fillers enhance the volume and shape of the lips. Because by adding volume to the upper lip, fillers create a slight downward weight and coverage, which reduces gum visibility when smiling. They also help balance lip proportions, drawing attention to the lips and teeth rather than the gums.

The results are immediate improvement is seen after treatment, with full results visible once any minor swelling subsides. And is ideal for individuals who want to both reduce gum exposure and enhance lip volume at the same time.

Combining Botox and Dermal Fillers

For some patients, the most effective approach involves combining Botox and dermal fillers. This combination treatment addresses both the movement of the upper lip and its volume.

When used together, these treatments provide a more comprehensive solution with longer-lasting, highly customizable results. The combination is particularly effective for patients whose gummy smiles are due to both hyperactive lip muscles and thin lips.

Here Is Our Final Takeaway

From Botox to dermal fillers, or even a combination of both, NoFilter Clinic offers safe, quick, and effective solutions for improving gummy smiles. If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about showing too much gum when you smile, these treatments could help you achieve the radiant, balanced smile you’ve always wanted.

And please remember, not every gummy smile can be corrected with Botox or fillers alone. This is why a consultation with one of our medical professionals is so important. If excessive gum tissue or jaw alignment is the main cause, surgical options may still be necessary. However, for many people, especially those with mild to moderate gummy smiles, non-surgical treatments provide an effective and confidence-boosting solution.

Overall, if your consultation with us gives you the go-ahead and a personalised treatment plan, you could enjoy natural, aesthetically pleasing results tailored to your unique smile.