Gummy Smile Treatment: Achieve a Balanced Smile

A gummy smile, characterized by excessive gum exposure when smiling, can impact self-esteem and facial harmony. At Albany Cosmetic and Laser Centre in Edmonton, we offer specialized treatments to address this concern, helping you attain a more balanced and confident smile.

Our Botox treatment focuses on precise muscle modulation to reduce gum visibility, thereby enhancing the natural aesthetics of your smile. This treatment is distinct from other procedures, such as the Lip Flip, which enhances lip prominence, or Face Slimming, which contours the jawline.

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Expected Results: Before and After Treatment

Before and after comparison of an Asian woman’s smile following Botox treatment for gummy smile at Albany Cosmetic and Laser Centre. The 'before' image shows significant gum visibility when smiling, while the 'after' image displays a more balanced smile with reduced gum exposure.
Side-by-side images showing a Caucasian woman’s smile before and after Botox gummy smile treatment at Albany Cosmetic and Laser Centre. In the 'before' photo, her upper gums are prominently visible; the 'after' photo shows a relaxed upper lip with minimal gum display.
Before-and-after Botox gummy smile treatment results on a young woman at Albany Cosmetic and Laser Centre. The top image shows excess gum exposure when smiling; the bottom image reveals a more aesthetically pleasing smile with less visible gum tissue.

Patients undergoing gummy smile treatment can expect a noticeable reduction in gum exposure, leading to a more proportionate smile. Initial improvements are often visible within a few days, with optimal results appearing around two weeks post-treatment. These outcomes typically last between three to six months, after which maintenance sessions can help sustain the desired appearance.

Gummy Smile Treatment Quick Summary

Cost And Pricing

Gummy smile correction using Botox typically costs around $100 to $300 per session in Edmonton.

Procedure Duration

The treatment takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes with immediate return to daily activities afterward.

Treatment benefits

Reduces excessive gum display when smiling, enhancing smile aesthetics and overall facial harmony effectively.

Expected Results

Results appear within days, showing a more balanced smile with reduced gum exposure during smiling.

Side Effects And Downtime

Possible mild swelling, bruising, or temporary muscle weakness near the injection sites may occur.

Discomfort and Pain Level

Minimal discomfort, similar to a pinprick, often requires no anesthesia or recovery time afterward.

Understanding the Causes of a Gummy Smile

A gummy smile can result from various factors, including hyperactive upper lip muscles, excessive gum tissue, or the way the upper jawbone develops. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for determining the most effective treatment approach. Our specialists at Albany Cosmetic and Laser Centre conduct thorough assessments to tailor treatments that address each individual’s specific needs.

Alternative Treatments for Gummy Smile

While muscle modulation is an effective and minimally invasive option for treating a gummy smile, alternative treatments are available depending on the underlying cause and severity. These include orthodontic treatments to reposition the teeth and jaw, gingivectomy (surgical removal of excess gum tissue), and lip repositioning surgery to limit the upper lip’s movement. During your consultation, we will assess your specific condition and recommend the most suitable treatment plan tailored to your needs and aesthetic goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes a gummy smile?

A gummy smile is a condition where an excessive amount of gum tissue shows above the upper teeth when smiling. Typically, if more than 2–3 millimeters of gum is visible, it’s considered a gummy smile. This can be caused by various factors such as:
  • Overactive upper lip muscles that raise the lip too high
  • Excess gum tissue (gingival hypertrophy)
  • Short upper lip or small teeth
  • Altered tooth eruption or jaw development
Botox treats a gummy smile by targeting the overactive muscles that elevate the upper lip excessively when you smile. The primary muscles involved are the levator labii superioris, levator labii superioris alaeque nasi, and zygomaticus minor. When these muscles are hyperactive, they pull the upper lip higher than usual, exposing more of the gums. By injecting a small amount of Botox into these specific muscles, their activity is temporarily weakened. This softens the upward movement of the upper lip, allowing it to rest in a more natural position when smiling. As a result, less gum tissue is visible, creating a more balanced, attractive smile without altering the natural expression.
Most patients need 4 to 10 units of Botox in total to treat a gummy smile, usually 2 to 5 units per side, injected near the nose to relax the upper lip elevator muscles. The exact number depends on your facial anatomy, muscle strength, and the desired degree of correction. At Albany Cosmetic and Laser Centre, the dosage is carefully customized to ensure safe, effective, and natural-looking results.
Gummy smile treatment with Botox is a quick, in-office procedure that usually takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. The process involves a brief consultation, followed by a few small injections near the sides of the nose. There’s no need for anesthesia, and you can return to your regular activities immediately after the appointment. This makes it a convenient lunchtime treatment with no downtime.
You’ll typically start seeing results within 3 to 5 days after the injection, as the Botox begins to relax the upper lip muscles. Full results are usually visible within 1 to 2 weeks, revealing a more balanced, less gummy smile. The timing may vary slightly depending on individual response, but most patients notice a gradual improvement each day after treatment.
Side effects may include slight swelling, bruising, or temporary asymmetry. These effects usually resolve within a few days. Discomfort is minimal. Most clients report only a brief pinch at the injection site, and the treatment is usually completed within 10 minutes.
The results typically last between 3 to 6 months. Over time, the effects of Botox gradually wear off, and the muscles return to their normal function. For sustained results, periodic maintenance treatments are recommended.
No significant downtime is required. Most patients return to normal activities immediately after treatment, although mild swelling or bruising may occur temporarily.
Treatment typically ranges from $100 to $300, depending on individual needs and the amount of Botox used.
Anyone bothered by excessive gum visibility when smiling and in good health is usually a good candidate.
There’s no downtime. You can return to daily activities immediately, though you should avoid lying down or heavy exercise for a few hours.
You can receive expert Botox treatment for a gummy smile at Albany Cosmetic and Laser Centre in Edmonton. Our experienced medical team specializes in facial aesthetics and customizes each treatment to suit your unique facial structure. With a focus on natural, balanced results, we use precise techniques to gently reduce gum exposure and enhance your smile. Book a consultation today to learn more about how we can help transform your smile confidently and safely.

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