A Dentist's Guide to Gummy Smile Correction with Botulinum Toxin

A woman with a beautiful smile showcasing the results of a successful gummy smile correction using botulinum toxin.

Doris Dickson Botulinum Toxins July 28, 2025

As a dental professional, you are a master of smile aesthetics. While perfectly aligned and whitened teeth are crucial, the framing of that smile—the interplay between the lips and gums—is just as important. Increasingly, patients are seeking solutions for what they call a “gummy smile,” and the use of Botox for gummy smile correction is a powerful, minimally invasive tool that fits perfectly within the modern dental practice.

This article will break down how you can leverage your unique anatomical expertise to offer this treatment, expanding your services and delivering transformative results for your patients.

Key Takeaways for Your Practice

Primary Cause: A “gummy smile” is most often caused by hyperactive upper lip elevator muscles, not a dental issue.
Minimally Invasive Solution: Botulinum toxin can relax these muscles, lowering the lip line for a more balanced smile without surgery.
Dentists are Ideal Providers: Your in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy and musculature makes you uniquely qualified to perform this procedure safely and effectively.
High Patient Satisfaction: This quick, in-office treatment offers significant aesthetic improvement, leading to a major boost in patient confidence and practice growth.

What Causes a Gummy Smile?

A smile is generally considered “gummy” when more than 2-3 millimeters of gum tissue is visible. While several factors can contribute, the most common cause is a hyperactive upper lip. This occurs when the muscles that elevate the lip, primarily the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN), contract too forcefully. The role of this muscle in facial expression is well-documented in anatomical literature.

As a dentist, you are uniquely positioned to diagnose this because you already have an extensive understanding of facial anatomy and musculature. This knowledge is key to providing effective treatment with Botox for a gummy smile.

The Solution: How Botox for Gummy Smile Treatment Works

Botulinum toxin offers a simple and elegant solution. By injecting small, precise amounts into the hyperactive elevator muscles, you can temporarily relax them. This doesn’t freeze the smile; it simply reduces the excessive “lift,” allowing the upper lip to rest lower and cover more of the gums during a full smile.

The result is a more harmonious and balanced smile, achieved without scalpels or significant downtime. For a deeper dive into the science, see our complete Professional’s Guide to Cosmetic Toxins.

Benefits of Offering Gummy Smile Correction in Your Dental Practice

Provide a Minimally Invasive, High-Impact Solution

Unlike surgical alternatives, the Botox for gummy smile procedure is a true “lunchtime” treatment. Patients appreciate a solution that requires no scalpels and virtually no recovery period, making it a highly attractive option for individuals who were hesitant to undergo an invasive operation.

Achieve Exceptionally High Patient Satisfaction

For patients, the correction of a gummy smile can be a life-changing event. This simple, quick procedure often produces a dramatic aesthetic improvement that significantly boosts self-esteem and confidence. When patients see such transformative results, it builds immense trust and loyalty.

Leverage Your Unique and Existing Core Skills

As a dental professional, you possess an unparalleled understanding of perioral and facial anatomy. Offering this treatment is a natural extension of your existing skill set, allowing you to use your deep anatomical knowledge in a new and valuable way.

Drive Practice Growth and Modernize Your Offerings

Adding aesthetic services like the Botox for gummy smile treatment diversifies your practice’s revenue streams and sets you apart from competitors. It can attract a new demographic of patients specifically seeking cosmetic enhancements and signals that your practice is on the cutting edge of facial aesthetics.

The Treatment Protocol: A Step-by-Step Guide

The treatment protocol for Botox for a gummy smile is technique-dependent and requires precision.

1. Patient Assessment and Consultation:

Confirm the Cause: Have the patient perform a full, genuine smile. Assess if the cause is indeed a hypermobile lip, rather than a skeletal issue or short upper lip, which may require a different approach.
Manage Expectations: Explain that the treatment is temporary, typically lasting 3 to 6 months, and will require repeat injections to maintain the result.
Photography: Take standardized “before” photos to track progress.

2. Injection Points and Dosage:

The “Yonsei Point”: A widely used and effective landmark is the “Yonsei Point,” located at the center of a triangle formed by the three key lip elevator muscles. It provides a reliable target for achieving a natural-looking relaxation of the upper lip.
Dosage: Treatment is highly customized. A conservative approach is always best to start. Typically, 1-2 units of botulinum toxin are injected into the target area on each side of the nose.
The Procedure: The injection itself is quick, often taking less than 15 minutes.

3. Post-Treatment and Follow-Up:

Immediate Aftercare: Advise patients to avoid rubbing the area or strenuous exercise for the remainder of the day.
Onset of Results: Patients will begin to see results within 3-5 days, with the full effect visible at around 14 days.
Two-Week Follow-Up: Schedule a follow-up appointment to assess the results and determine if any minor adjustments are needed.

Conclusion

Integrating botulinum toxin for gummy smile correction is more than just adding a new service; it’s about embracing a comprehensive approach to smile design. It positions you at the forefront of aesthetic dentistry, allowing you to address patient concerns that go beyond the teeth alone. By mastering this technique, you can provide holistic, confidence-boosting results that solidify your reputation as a leader in facial aesthetics.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I differentiate a muscular cause from a skeletal cause for a gummy smile?

A muscular cause (hyperactive lip) is the primary indication for botulinum toxin. You can diagnose this visually: if the patient has a normal lip length at rest but it elevates excessively upon smiling, the cause is likely muscular. A skeletal issue, or Vertical Maxillary Excess, often presents with a long face and excessive gingival show even at rest. This typically requires a surgical consultation.

2. Who is the ideal candidate for this procedure?

The ideal candidate is a patient in good health with a diagnosed hyperactive upper lip, realistic expectations about the temporary nature of the results, and a desire for a non-surgical solution.

3. What is the biggest risk, and how do I avoid it?

The most common risk is an asymmetric smile or excessive lip drooping if the toxin is misplaced or overdosed. Avoid this by using a conservative dose (1-2 units per side), injecting precisely at the Yonsei point, and aspirating to avoid blood vessels. A thorough understanding of the muscle anatomy is your best defense.

4. Can I combine this treatment with dermal fillers?

Yes. Some patients may benefit from both relaxing the upper lip and adding subtle volume with a hyaluronic acid filler to the lip body. This combination can create a very natural and comprehensive smile enhancement. It’s best to perform these treatments in separate sessions or with extreme care if done together.

5. How long does the Botox for gummy smile procedure take, and what is the pain level?

The injection itself takes only a few minutes. With a topical anesthetic applied beforehand, patient discomfort is minimal, often described as a small pinch. It’s a true “lunchtime” procedure.

6. What happens if the patient doesn’t like the result?

Unlike dermal fillers, botulinum toxin cannot be “dissolved.” However, the effects are temporary. If a smile is asymmetric, a very small amount of toxin can sometimes be used on the contralateral side to improve balance. Otherwise, the muscle function will return to normal within 3-6 months.

7. What kind of training is required for a dentist to offer this?

Dentists should seek certified, hands-on training courses specifically focused on the administration of botulinum toxin for facial aesthetics. These courses cover detailed facial anatomy, physiology, safe injection techniques, and complication management.

8. How do I explain this treatment to my patients?

Use a simple analogy. You can explain, “The muscle that lifts your upper lip is a bit too strong. We can use a ‘muscle relaxer’ to gently soften its pull, so your lip doesn’t rise as high when you smile, creating a more balanced look.” Showing before-and-after photos is also highly effective.

9. Is there any downtime for the patient?

There is no significant downtime. Patients can return to their daily activities immediately. The main instructions are to avoid rubbing the area, strenuous physical activity, and lying down flat for about 4 hours post-injection to prevent the product from migrating.

10. How often will a patient need to return for maintenance?

Maintenance is typically required every 3 to 6 months. It’s important to set this expectation from the initial consultation. Many patients are happy to return for such a quick and effective treatment.

Doris Dickson

About the Author: Doris Dickson is a specialist writer for Health Supplies Plus, focusing on the aesthetic medicine industry. She diligently researches cosmetic treatments and products to provide clear, concise information relevant to licensed medical professionals. Her work supports Health Supplies Plus’s commitment to being a reliable informational resource and trusted supplier for the aesthetic community.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is intended for informational purposes only and is directed towards licensed medical professionals. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it constitute an endorsement of any specific product or technique. Practitioners must rely on their own professional judgment, clinical experience, and knowledge of patient needs, and should always consult the full product prescribing information and relevant clinical guidelines before use. Health Supplies Plus does not provide medical advice.