Gummy Smile Treatment

Cosmetic injections with muscle relaxants are the easiest & most effective way to treat a gummy smile. This no downtime procedure takes less than 10 seconds to perform.  Results will take effect at around 2 weeks and, in most cases, last 3 to 4 months. 

This is a procedure designed to reduce the elevation of the upper lip by weakening the lip elevator muscles. With precise injections, these muscles can be safely relaxed, in turn improving the aesthetics of the upper lip giving a more attractive & symmetrical smile. 

Gummy Smile anti-wrinkle lasts 8 to 12 weeks, after which time you’ll need additional injections to maintain your results.

Depending on the extent of the gums show, our injectors can safely & effectively titrate a dose of muscle relaxant required. These injections are placed on both sides of the inferior nose targeting muscles that move the upper lip. This results in weaker elevators of the upper lip, which causes the upper lip to relax and extend over the excess gum that shows when you smile.

The softening of the lip lift results in a more attractive smile that you’ll be happy to show off. The results are natural so that no one else will know that you’ve had anything done. 

Treatments start at only $120. Book a FREE nurse consultation at our Brisbane clinics to see if this treatment is for you. T & C apply

Dermal fillers can be used in some patients who have smaller upper lips & a gummy smile. Fillers can increase volume & provide shape & definition to the lips. In suitable candidates, the use of dermal fillers & anti-wrinkle injections is synergistic.

Yes, this treatment does not affect speech or eating.

This treatment has a high safety record; however our injectors will discuss side effects with you after thoroughly assessing your health & medical history before treatment. This minimises the risk of complications. 

Incorrect placement of anti-wrinkle can result in diffusion. This can affect muscles in areas other than those it was supposed to, or may relax the muscle too much. This may affect your smile and the way your mouth moves. 

A gummy smile occurs when too much gum tissue is displayed when smiling. There are several factors that cause this condition, which can range from mild to severe.

1. Genetically short upper lip length
2. Prominent gums & teeth length
3. Overactive muscles that elevate the lip 
4. Gummy smiles can also be secondary to breathing issues early during development. 

A surgical procedure called a gingivectomy or gum lift is used if the cause of the gummy smile is overgrown gums. This is a type of periodontal surgery also known as a ‘gum lift’. A dental surgeon performs this surgery using a to reshape and remove the excess gum tissue. This will shorten the height of the gums & give more symmetry to the gum line. This surgical procedure can also reveal more of the tooth to 

Root planing & scaling is used when the enlargement of gums is due to inflammation & infection. Dentists perform a deep clean of the root surface to remove plaque & calculus. This addresses inflammation & can settle down gingival hyperplasia & gum show. 

Crown lengthening removes excess gum tissue. The underlying bone is cut and reshaped so that the full size of teeth is exposed. This procedure is used when large amounts of gingival tissues need to be removed.

Braces for straightening teeth will not correct muscle overactivity that elevates the upper lip. In contrast, gums can be irritated from braces & Invisalign, which can lead to gingival hyperplasia thickening & a more prominent gummy smile. Adjustment of braces will correct this. Simple anti-wrinkle injections can safely reduce muscle activity & decrease gum show. 

Our injectors at Cutis Dermatology Brisbane most often use anti-wrinkle treatments including gummy smile treatments. The relaxant of choice depends on the injector & your preference.