Correction of gummy smile

It can be a result of short teeth with excess gum tissues around them or an upper jaw that is placed forward or an overly acting lip muscle.

If your upper lip reveals more gums while smiling, then you are a candidate for gummy smile treatment.

Ways to correct gummy smile include:

. Crown lengthening procedure

. Lip repositioning procedure

. Orthodontic treatment

. Botulinum Toxin (BOTOX) Injection

. Orthognathic surgery

Minor surgical procedure would take less than a week whereas orthodontic treatment would take 12 to 24 months.

It transforms small teeth into regular-sized teeth which decreases the amount of exposed gum tissue when a person smiles.

Lip repositioning surgery is done under local anesthesia and the procedure is relatively painless. Once the procedure is done you may feel slight discomfort for up to a week which can be relieved by taking painkillers.

The patient needs to be careful while brushing the teeth so as to not disturb the area of surgery.

BOTOX is a temporary treatment that relaxes the muscles of the upper lip and relives the tension which minimizes excess gingival display.

The results may vary from patient to patient (subjective). Generally, the effects of Botox last anywhere between four weeks to four months.