Botox for the Gummy Smile

Some patients show excessive teeth or gum (gingiva) when they smile.  This is usually from excess downward growth of the upper jaw and is called vertical maxillary excess.  This is classically treated by oral and maxillofacial surgery and orthodontics.  The surgeon shortens the upper jaw so it is in a more natural position and the smile is normalized without tooth and gum excess upon smiling.

Some patients cannot have this surgery for various reasons and request Botox Cosmetic (or Dysport or Xeomin) treatment to weaken the smiling muscles so that the lip does not move upward as much.

The patient shown above was treated with a single treatment of 2 Botox injections above the upper lip.  This weakens the smiling muscles and prevents the lip from elevating as much, which shows less teeth and gum.  This treatment is temporary and last about 3 months.

For more information about cosmetic facial surgery visit www.lovethatface.com

Joe Niamtu, III DMD

Cosmetic Facial Surgery

Richmond, Virginia