Gummy Smile
Excessive gum visibility when smiling can impact confidence and the natural harmony of the smile
Before & After – Gummy Smile Treatment Results
Our Approach to Gummy Smile Correction
1
We assess lip movement, gum exposure, and facial dynamics
2
A small dose of neuromodulator is injected to reduce upper lip elevation
3
A follow-up after 14 days allows us to evaluate results and make refinements if necessary
What Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile is a condition where an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth when a person smiles. This can affect the overall aesthetics of the smile and, for some individuals, may lead to self-consciousness or reduced confidence. It can be caused by factors such as a short upper lip, excessive gum tissue, or overactive muscles that control lip movement. Treatments are available, including neuromodulator injections or surgical options, depending on the cause.
What Causes Excessive Gum Exposure When Smiling?
Excessive gum exposure when smiling—commonly referred to as a gummy smile—can result from several anatomical or muscular factors:
- A Short Upper Lip: When the upper lip is naturally short, it may reveal the gums even at rest or while speaking, not just when smiling.
- Thin or Voluminous Lips That Retract When Smiling: Some individuals have lips that pull back excessively during a smile, especially if the lips are thin or overly mobile. This can expose more gum tissue than desired.
- Hyperactivity of Upper Lip Elevator Muscles: The levator muscles (responsible for lifting the upper lip) can be overly active. This causes the upper lip to rise too high when smiling, leading to an imbalance in the smile’s proportions.
The harmony of a smile depends on the balance between muscle activity and anatomical structure. When this balance is disrupted, it can result in an overly “gummy” appearance.
Fortunately, both non-surgical treatments (like neuromodulator injections) and surgical options are available, depending on the underlying cause.
Our Solution for Gummy Smile Correction
After a detailed evaluation of your smile, our team will determine the underlying cause of excessive gum exposure. In most cases, neuromodulator injections (such as Botox®) offer an effective and non-invasive solution by relaxing the upper lip muscles responsible for lifting the lip too high when smiling.
If the lips are naturally thin or lack volume, hyaluronic acid fillers can help restore balance by increasing lip fullness and limiting gum visibility. These two approaches—neuromodulators and fillers—can also be combined for optimal, natural-looking results.
In certain cases, excessive gum display may be related to underlying dental or skeletal issues. For these situations, a referral to a dental specialist or maxillofacial surgeon may be required.
At Clinique Infinium, our priority is to offer a personalized treatment plan tailored to your anatomy, goals, and comfort—whether that involves subtle injections or multidisciplinary care.
