A confident smile is about more than just straight teeth. For many people, it’s also about balance—how the teeth, gums, and lips come together. If too much gum shows when you smile, it can leave you feeling self-conscious or hesitant to show your grin at full strength. This condition, often called a gummy smile, is more common than you might think—and fortunately, there’s a simple, non-surgical solution.
Enter BOTOX: the same injectable known for smoothing forehead lines can also help gently relax the muscles that raise the upper lip too high when you smile. The result? A more natural-looking smile that feels just like you—only more confident.
Here’s how BOTOX works to fix a gummy smile, and why more people are turning to this quick, low-maintenance treatment.
What Is a Gummy Smile?
A “gummy smile” is typically defined as a smile that shows more than 3 to 4 millimeters of exposed gum tissue above the upper teeth. It’s not a medical issue, but it can cause emotional discomfort or dissatisfaction with one’s appearance.
Gummy smiles can result from several factors, including:
- Overactive upper lip muscles, which pull the lip too high when smiling
- Short or small teeth, which create more visible gum
- Excessive gum tissue (gingival overgrowth)
- Vertical maxillary excess, where the upper jaw is longer than average
In cases where the lip muscle is the main cause, BOTOX offers a non-invasive alternative to surgery or gum contouring.
How BOTOX Fixes a Gummy Smile
BOTOX (botulinum toxin) is a purified protein that temporarily relaxes targeted muscles. When used for gummy smile correction, it’s injected into the muscles that lift the upper lip—most commonly the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi.
By calming these muscles slightly, the upper lip doesn’t rise as high when you smile. This results in:
- Less gum exposure
- A softer, more balanced smile
- No impact on your ability to speak or express emotion
Most patients retain their full range of facial movement—they just notice their smile looks more even and relaxed.
Benefits of Using BOTOX for Gummy Smiles
Compared to other treatment options, BOTOX is popular for its convenience, affordability, and natural-looking results. Here’s why patients love it:
- Non-surgical — No cutting, stitching, or downtime
- Quick procedure — Usually takes less than 10 minutes
- Fast results — Visible improvement in 3–5 days
- Temporary — Great option for trying out a change before committing
- Customizable — Dosage can be adjusted to your facial anatomy
Unlike permanent surgical solutions, BOTOX lets you test how you feel about a new look—without long-term commitment.
What to Expect During the Treatment
Getting BOTOX for a gummy smile is a fast, in-office procedure with minimal discomfort. Here's a step-by-step overview:
- Consultation — Your provider will assess your smile, discuss your goals, and determine if BOTOX is the right option.
- Treatment — A few small injections are placed near the nose and upper lip to target the lifting muscles.
- Aftercare — You’ll be able to resume normal activities immediately, though you may be advised to avoid heavy exercise for 24 hours.
- Results — Improvement becomes noticeable within a few days, with full results typically visible by day 7.
The effects generally last 3 to 4 months, and touch-ups can help maintain your ideal smile over time.
Is BOTOX Right for Every Gummy Smile?
While BOTOX is an excellent option for many patients, it’s best suited for cases where lip movement—not gum shape or jaw structure—is the primary cause of the gummy appearance.
Patients with other contributing factors may benefit more from:
- Laser gum contouring
- Orthodontic treatment (e.g. to reposition the teeth)
- Surgical procedures in severe skeletal cases
A proper consultation is essential to identifying the cause of your gummy smile and choosing the most effective approach.
A Confidence Boost Without the Commitment
One of the most appealing parts of BOTOX treatment is that it doesn’t require you to make a permanent decision. If you’ve felt self-conscious about your smile in photos or social situations, this is a low-risk way to try a change.
If you love your results, you can schedule regular treatments every few months. If not, your smile will naturally return to its previous appearance as the BOTOX wears off.
Patients appreciate this flexibility—it’s enhancement on your terms.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Gummy Smile BOTOX?
You may be a great fit for BOTOX treatment if you:
- Feel your upper gums show more than you’d like when you smile
- Have a high-rising upper lip, but otherwise healthy teeth and gums
- Want a quick, non-surgical treatment with minimal commitment
- Prefer subtle improvements that feel natural
- Are open to maintaining results with periodic treatments
BOTOX for gummy smile correction is safe for most healthy adults and can be part of a broader aesthetic or orthodontic treatment plan.
Subtle, Confident Smiles Start at TG Orthodontics
At TG Orthodontics in Marlboro, NJ, we believe every patient deserves a smile they feel great about—without pressure to change who they are. Our team offers precise, conservative BOTOX treatment to help gently correct gummy smiles and support more confident, balanced facial aesthetics.
Whether you’re new to aesthetic care or looking to refresh your look, we’re here to help you take the next step comfortably and confidently.
Schedule your consultation today to find out if BOTOX is the right solution for your smile.
