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Gummy smile botox anatomy

Understanding the Anatomy What is a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile refers to the appearance of excess gum tissue being visible when smiling. Understanding the underlying facial anatomy can help explain why this occurs and guide potential cosmetic options discussed during your consultation.

Several facial muscles work together to elevate the upper lip when smiling, directly affecting how much gum tissue becomes visible. Key muscles involved in elevating the lip include:

  • Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi (LLSAN): This muscle runs alongside the nose and plays a central role in lifting the lip upward. Overactivity or natural strength of this muscle can cause the lip to rise higher, making more gum tissue visible during smiling. This is the most important muscle in relation to your gummy smile.

  • Levator Labii Superioris: Positioned next to the LLSAN, this muscle also lifts the lip upward, influencing the visibility of gums.

  • Zygomaticus Minor and Major: Located laterally on the face, these muscles assist in elevating and retracting the lip when smiling, contributing to the overall smile shape and gum display.

  • Depressor Septi Nasi: In some cases, overactivity of this muscle can affect the position and movement of the upper lip and influence the appearance of the smile.

At Contour Clinics, our qualified cosmetic doctors carefully assess your facial anatomy during your personalised consultation. By evaluating muscle activity, lip position, and overall facial harmony, our clinicians clearly explain the factors contributing to your gummy smile and discuss suitable cosmetic approaches tailored specifically to your individual aesthetic goals.

gummy smile botox

Gummy Smile Treatment What causes a gummy smile?

A gummy smile, where a significant amount of gum tissue is visible when you smile, can be influenced by several unique anatomical and physiological factors. Understanding these can help you make informed decisions about your cosmetic concerns.

Overactive Facial Muscles

One common cause of a gummy smile is overactivity or natural strength of certain facial muscles, especially the Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi (LLSAN) and surrounding lip-elevating muscles. These muscles lift your upper lip higher than usual when smiling, causing more gum tissue to become visible.

Short or Thin Upper Lip

The natural length or fullness of your upper lip can also impact gum visibility. If the upper lip is shorter or thinner, it may expose more gum tissue when you smile or speak, even without exaggerated muscle activity.

Tooth and Jaw Structure

Your natural teeth and jaw anatomy play an essential role. Some individuals have teeth that appear smaller or shorter, resulting in more gum tissue visibility. Others have upper jawbones that extend lower or are positioned forward, increasing gum exposure during smiling.

Gum Tissue Overgrowth

In certain cases, excess or thicker gum tissue can grow over the teeth, making the gums appear more prominent. This can occur naturally or due to conditions such as gum inflammation or hereditary factors.

At Contour Clinics, our qualified cosmetic doctors carefully evaluate your individual facial anatomy during your personalised consultation. By thoroughly assessing the factors influencing your gummy smile, we provide clear, realistic guidance and discuss suitable cosmetic approaches tailored specifically to your needs and aesthetic goals.

The Contour Clinics Guarantee

At Contour Clinics, we’re committed to providing safe, ethical, and personalised cosmetic care. Our experienced doctors focus on delivering balanced, realistic outcomes tailored specifically to your needs.

Book your complimentary consultation today to discuss suitable cosmetic options and experience the patient-focused care that sets Contour Clinics apart. Individual results can vary, and our clinicians will guide you through what outcomes may be achievable for you.

  • Complimentary, obligation-free consultations with experienced doctors
  • Strict safety and hygiene protocols aligned with industry-leading standards
  • Advanced 3D photography to aid in a collaborative, comprehensive facial analysis
  • Products and technologies selected based on quality, safety, and efficacy
  • Medical-grade clinical environments thoughtfully designed for patient comfort and convenience

Gummy Smile How to Fix a Gummy Smile

At Contour Clinics, our qualified cosmetic doctors provide comprehensive, personalised consultations to explore a variety of options tailored specifically to your unique gummy smile concerns. Depending on your individual anatomy, aesthetic preferences, and the underlying cause of your gummy smile, our clinicians may discuss the following cosmetic and specialist referral options:

  1. Cosmetic treatments targeting muscle activity

Non-surgical options that carefully address the activity of muscles involved in elevating the upper lip, aiming to subtly reduce the visibility of gums during smiling or talking. These treatments are minimally invasive, generally quick, and require minimal downtime.

  1. Lip enhancement consultations

Suitable if you have a naturally smaller upper lip, subtle lip enhancement options can help balance your smile by gently adjusting lip proportions and shape. These treatments focus on improving facial harmony and can be tailored precisely to your goals.

  1. Gum specialist referral (gum contouring procedures)

If excessive gum tissue significantly contributes to your smile concerns, a referral to an appropriate dental or periodontal specialist may be discussed. Specialists can evaluate whether precise gum tissue adjustment could achieve a better cosmetic outcome.

  1. Orthognathic (jaw) surgery referral

In certain cases, structural alignment of the jaw may contribute substantially to a gummy smile. For these more complex anatomical situations, your clinician may recommend referral to an appropriate specialist for assessment of surgical options.

  1. Cosmetic dental referral (veneers and smile design)

Individuals interested in comprehensive dental improvements, particularly those with smaller teeth or general concerns about tooth shape and alignment, may be referred to experienced cosmetic dental practitioners. Veneers or other cosmetic dentistry procedures can address overall smile aesthetics in certain cases.

During your personalised consultation, our cosmetic doctors carefully assess your facial anatomy, discuss all suitable options, and clearly explain potential outcomes, associated benefits, realistic expectations, and any risks or considerations involved. Our goal is to empower you to make an informed decision about the cosmetic approaches that best meet your individual aesthetic objectives.

No specific outcomes, treatment durations, or satisfaction levels can be guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is gummy smile treated?

At Contour Clinics, your qualified cosmetic doctor begins by conducting a comprehensive consultation, including a thorough discussion of your medical history and careful facial assessment. Comfort measures, including topical numbing and preparation of the skin, are typically used to help minimise potential discomfort during treatment.

The procedure itself is minimally invasive, performed with carefully selected, tailored cosmetic techniques designed to subtly address the appearance of a gummy smile by considering facial muscle activity.

Do gummy smile treatments hurt?

Every patients experience of discomfort during gummy smile procedures is unique. Expectations surrounding discomfort will be discussed at your complimentary consultation. In general, there is minimal discomfort with this procedure. Ice packs can be used prior to treatments. If required, numbing cream and/or happy gas may be used if clinically indicated.

Where are gummy smile treatments placed?

Most gummy smile treatments are placed into the Levator Labii Superiorus Alaeque Nasalis (LLSAN muscle).

These paired muscles run down on each side of the nose over the inner cheek. Placement occurs 0.5-1cm left and right of the nose (one per side).

Occasionally, gummy smiles are caused by pull of the Zygomaticus muscles. This is an advanced area to treat, and focuses on the areas just above the outer edges of the smile.

How long do gummy smile treatments typically last?

The duration of cosmetic treatments addressing gummy smiles varies considerably between individuals. Typically, results can last several months, but individual factors such as muscle activity, metabolism, facial anatomy, and lifestyle can all influence how long cosmetic improvements remain visible.

Most individuals find results subtly decrease over time and may choose periodic treatments to maintain their preferred aesthetic outcomes.

What are the potential side effects of gummy smile treatments?

All cosmetic treatments have potential risks, and those addressing gummy smiles are no exception. Although many individuals experience minimal side effects, it’s important to understand possible outcomes clearly.

Minor side effects, such as mild swelling, bruising, or temporary asymmetry, may occur following treatment. These usually resolve naturally over the following days or weeks. Rarely, individuals may experience changes to their smile appearance or speech, though significant complications are uncommon.

At Contour Clinics, qualified medical professionals prioritise patient safety and satisfaction. During your personalised consultation, your clinician will thoroughly discuss possible risks, realistic expectations, comfort measures, and appropriate aftercare, ensuring you feel fully informed before proceeding.

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