Gummy Smile Correction
A gummy smile — where more of the upper gum is visible when you smile — is often caused by the lip-elevating muscles pulling the upper lip up higher than usual. Treating these small muscles with botulinum toxin type A (a prescription-only medicine) gently relaxes the lift, so less gum shows when you smile. It's a quick, non-surgical option assessed on an individual basis.
Individual assessment & treatment by a Prescribing Advanced Nurse Practitioner.
Botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine. Suitability is assessed individually at your consultation.
Areas this treatment can help with
- Excess gum show on smiling
- An upper lip that lifts too high when smiling
- A short or tight appearance of the upper lip at rest in some cases
The treatment in plain terms
Tiny doses are placed into the muscles that elevate the upper lip (typically the levator labii superioris). With these muscles partially relaxed, the lip rises less far when you smile, reducing the amount of gum on show. The effect is gradual and temporary, typically lasting three to four months.
The Science Behind Gummy Smile Correction
A gummy smile is most often caused by the small muscles that lift the upper lip — principally the levator labii superioris — being overactive. When these muscles pull harder than needed, the upper lip rises too far on smiling, exposing more of the gum line than is usual. Botulinum toxin type A is a prescription-only medicine that temporarily reduces the nerve signals telling these muscles to contract. With the lip-elevating muscles gently relaxed, the lip rises a little less when you smile, reducing the amount of gum on show while keeping a natural, balanced smile. The effect is gradual and temporary, typically lasting around three to four months, after which muscle activity returns and treatment can be repeated. It's important to note that not every gummy smile is muscle-related — where the shape or position of the teeth, gums or jaw is the cause, dental assessment may be more appropriate.
What the treatment can help with
From consultation to review
Consultation & assessment
Your clinician assesses how your lip moves when you smile and discusses whether this treatment is suitable, or whether an alternative such as lip filler or a dental review is more appropriate for your case.
Tailored treatment
Small, precisely placed doses relax the lip-elevating muscles. The appointment takes only a few minutes and is usually well tolerated.
Gradual improvement
Over the first few days the lip settles and less gum shows on smiling as the muscles relax.
Review & repeat
A review at around two weeks assesses the result and symmetry. Repeat treatment is typically planned every three to four months as the effect fades.
Getting ready & looking after your treatment
Gummy smile correction is straightforward, but a little preparation helps it go smoothly. We'll assess the cause of your gummy smile at your consultation and only arrange treatment if it's right for you.
- Tell us if your gummy smile has been assessed by a dentist or orthodontist
- Let us know about any previous lip, dental or orthodontic treatment
- Share details of any medicines and supplements, particularly biotin
- Mention any facial weakness or neuromuscular concerns
- On the day, arrive as normal — no fasting is needed
- After treatment, avoid touching or rubbing the treated area for the rest of the day
- Avoid strenuous exercise and lying flat for a few hours afterwards
- Keep your two-week review so we can assess your response and symmetry
Is this treatment suitable for me?
Gummy smile correction is suitable for adults whose gummy smile is caused by overactive lip-elevating muscles. It may not be the right option where the cause is the shape of the teeth, gums or jaw, in which case dental review may be advised. It isn't suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with certain neuromuscular conditions. Suitability is confirmed at consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Not always. Some gummy smiles are caused by the teeth, gums or jaw rather than muscle overactivity. Your clinician assesses the cause at consultation and may suggest seeing your dentist if a dental cause is more likely.
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Chin & DAO Treatment
Softening a dimpled or pebbled chin and gently lifting the mouth corners by treating the chin and depressor anguli oris muscles.
Ready to discuss your treatment?
Your clinician will assess your suitability, answer your questions, and only recommend treatment when it's right for you.