Botox for a gummy smile works by relaxing the muscle that pulls the upper lip too high when you smile. A few tiny injections let the lip rest slightly lower, so more tooth and less gum shows. There’s no surgery, no downtime and the appointment is quick.
Dr. Tara Gostovich provides Botox treatments at TG Orthodontics in Marlboro, NJ. Book a complimentary consultation to see whether it suits your smile.
What causes a gummy smile?
A smile is usually called gummy when a noticeable band of gum shows above the upper teeth. It’s common and harmless, yet plenty of people feel self-conscious about it in photos.
Several things can contribute, sometimes in combination:
- ✓An upper-lip muscle that lifts higher than average
- ✓A naturally shorter upper lip
- ✓Extra gum tissue covering part of the teeth
- ✓An upper jaw that grew longer vertically
Pinpointing the cause matters, because it decides which gummy smile treatment will actually work.
How does Botox for a gummy smile work?
The muscle that raises the upper lip is small, so only a modest amount of Botox is needed to soften its pull. Once relaxed, the lip drops a little when you smile and covers more of the gum line.
Your teeth, gums and bite aren’t changed at all. You still laugh, talk and eat naturally; the lift is simply gentler.
- 1
Consult: Dr. Gostovich studies your smile at rest and in motion. - 2
Plan: she maps precise points near the upper lip. - 3
Treat: a few quick injections, typically 10 to 20 minutes. - 4
Review: we check your result and fine-tune at the next visit.
Why choose a non-surgical gummy smile treatment?
Surgical options exist, but they involve recovery time and a permanent change. Botox for a gummy smile is temporary and adjustable, which many people find reassuring as a first step.
- ✓No incisions or stitches
- ✓Back to work or school pickup the same day
- ✓A result you can adjust or simply let fade
- ✓A low-commitment way to see how you like the change
Is Botox the right gummy smile fix for you?
It’s the most straightforward gummy smile fix when the upper-lip muscle is the main cause. If extra gum covers the teeth, or the upper jaw itself is longer, the answer may look different.
Because Dr. Gostovich is an orthodontist, she can tell whether tooth position or jaw growth is part of the story. If so, she’ll walk you through our orthodontic treatments, including surgical orthodontics for adults with significant jaw concerns.
What do gummy smile Botox before and after results look like?
In gummy smile Botox before and after photos, the change is usually subtle. The upper lip sits slightly lower and the smile looks more balanced, but it’s still unmistakably yours.
When will you see results, and how long does gummy smile Botox last?
Early changes typically appear within 3 to 5 days, with the full effect at 7 to 14 days. Results usually last 3 to 4 months.
As the muscle gradually regains strength, the lip returns to its usual position. A short maintenance visit keeps the effect going if you love it.
What does Botox for a gummy smile cost?
Botox is $13 per unit and Xeomin is $11 per unit. A gummy smile usually calls for a small number of units, and we confirm your total before treatment.
Memberships offer 20 units a month for $220, 30 for $300, 40 for $360 or 50 for $400.
Browse all of our Botox and filler options.
Why trust an orthodontist with your smile line?
Dr. Tara Gostovich is certified by the American Board of Orthodontics and spends every day studying how lips, teeth and gums frame a smile. That perspective keeps results subtle and in proportion.
Patients rate TG Orthodontics 4.9 stars across 165+ Google reviews, and every Botox plan is built around your own features.
Frequently asked questions
Does Botox for a gummy smile hurt?
Most people describe it as a quick pinch. The needle is very fine, only a few injections are needed and the whole visit usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. Any mild tenderness at the injection points tends to settle quickly.
How long does gummy smile Botox last if I keep up with it?
Each treatment typically lasts 3 to 4 months. Staying on a regular schedule keeps the lip relaxed without gaps between visits, but it doesn’t make a single treatment last dramatically longer. A monthly membership can make that routine easier to budget for.
Will my smile still look natural?
Yes. Treatment only softens how high the lip lifts; it doesn’t freeze your expression. Doses start conservatively, and because this is a non-surgical gummy smile treatment, the amount can be adjusted at your next visit.
Ready for a smile you love showing?
Ask about Botox for a gummy smile at a complimentary consultation in Marlboro, NJ. Call or text (732) 617-1211, or book online.