If your upper lip rests high above the top of your gum line, it can cause you to become quite self-conscious.
Generally, when smiling, the only parts of the gum that is visible are the small pink triangles that intersect between each tooth. If you have more gum on show, the result is a gummy smile. This can be caused by your lips, gums, or teeth.
Don’t worry, at The London Smile Clinic, we are able to address issues with your gummy smile. Using botox injections, we can alter the way that your lip lifts above your teeth and gums.
Let’s explore how botox can be used to help with your gummy smile.
What Exactly Is Botox?
Botox is the more commonly used name for botulinum toxin type A. Used in small doses, the drug will weaken or paralyse a muscle. It does this by preventing the release of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine.
Botox is made up of a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is safe and is often used to reduce wrinkles on your face and around your lips. When injected directly into your lips, botox will improve their appearance, making them cover more of your gum.
How Can Botox Help Your Gummy Smile?
To address your gummy smile, we’ll inject botox into an area of your lips called the cupid’s bow. This can be found at the centre of your upper lip and is home to the orbicularis oris muscle. This is the muscle used when puckering your lips.
Once the botox starts working, your lip muscles will begin relaxing. This will make them curl slightly and appear slightly bigger. Whenever you smile after having botox, your lips will cover your gums.
How Long Does Botox Last?
Your botox treatment will be relatively short, following which you’ll be able to go about your day as normal, without any need for downtime.
The effects of botox last for between three and four months. Once they have worn off, you’ll need to schedule another appointment, where we’ll inject your lips again.
Having repeat injections of botox will increase its effectiveness, and you’ll be able to go longer between visits.
What Treatments Can Botox Be Used In Conjunction With?
Of course, while botox is great for addressing the position of your lips, there are cosmetic dental procedures that can alter the size and shape of your teeth and gums. These include:
- Using veneers or bonding to reshape your teeth
- Having a surgical or laser gum lift to reduce the visible portion of gum
When you make an appointment with our expert cosmetic dentist, Dr Tim Bradstock-Smith, he’ll be able to assess your teeth, gums, and lips to provide you with the best possible treatment combination to create a winning smile.
Make Your Appointment Today
If you’re ready to see what a difference botox can make to your smile, get in touch today and schedule an appointment.
