Gummy Smile

We all naturally show a little bit of our gums when we smile. Although it can be perfectly normal, people with excessive gum show can feel extremely self-conscious when talking or smiling. There are many options to treat a gummy smile, including non-surgical options such as dermal fillers and botulinum toxin. Dr Shahd will be able to assess and direct you if this is a suitable treatment option for you.

Fast Facts

  
      Effect
      Lessens the amount of gum on show when smiling
    
      Results
      Visible within 2 weeks
    
      Downtime
      None - Minimal
    
      Time
      30 Minutes
    
      Price
      £250
    
      Lasts
      3 Months

FAQs

≈ What causes gummy smiles?

Diagnosing the cause of a gummy smile is key to it's treatment:

Overactive muscles: these are the muscles acting on the upper lip that lift it upwards when you smile. Sometimes these muscles (LLS, LLSAN, ZMi) can exert an excessive pulling force, lifting the upper lip higher and exposing more gum.
Short upper lip
Dental: This can be caused by both teeth and gums. For example, a smile can look gummy because the gums are particularly long/teeth are particularly short (causes of this include gingival hypertrophy, altered passive/active eruption, tooth wear)
Skeletal: An overgrowth of the upper jawbone causing the gums to bulge out. This overgrowth is called vertical maxillary excess.

≈ What causes can you treat?

Overactive muscles. Correction of other causes would require referral to a dentist or surgeon. The cause and treatment of your gummy smile will be discussed with you following your consultation.

≈ How do you treat it?

Using muscle relaxing injections at specific points, the 3 muscles responsible for raising the upper lip are weakened. This reduces the upward movement of the upper lip, resulting in a smile with less gum on show.

“I’m so happy! I’ve always been self conscious about my small lips and was really nervous about having the treatment done but Dr Shahd made me feel so at ease and my lips look and feel so full and natural. Thank you!”

— Amira

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Gummy Smile

Fast Facts

FAQs

≈ What causes gummy smiles?

Diagnosing the cause of a gummy smile is key to it's treatment:

Overactive muscles: these are the muscles acting on the upper lip that lift it upwards when you smile. Sometimes these muscles (LLS, LLSAN, ZMi) can exert an excessive pulling force, lifting the upper lip higher and exposing more gum.

Short upper lip

Dental: This can be caused by both teeth and gums. For example, a smile can look gummy because the gums are particularly long/teeth are particularly short (causes of this include gingival hypertrophy, altered passive/active eruption, tooth wear)

Skeletal: An overgrowth of the upper jawbone causing the gums to bulge out. This overgrowth is called vertical maxillary excess.

≈ What causes can you treat?

Overactive muscles. Correction of other causes would require referral to a dentist or surgeon. The cause and treatment of your gummy smile will be discussed with you following your consultation.

≈ How do you treat it?

Using muscle relaxing injections at specific points, the 3 muscles responsible for raising the upper lip are weakened. This reduces the upward movement of the upper lip, resulting in a smile with less gum on show.