A gummy smile occurs when the upper lip lifts too much above the teeth, exposing the upper gums and resulting in what may be perceived as an unattractive “gummy” smile.

This can be due to several factors, but the primary reason, which is treatable with botulinum toxin, is when the muscle that elevates the upper lip is hyperactive. Additionally, a gummy smile can be more severe if you have a thin upper lip, which further exposes the upper gums.

To correct a gummy smile with Botox, we perform microinjections with small doses (typically two to five units) into the levator muscle between the upper lip and the nose.