What is a gummy smile?
If you show a lot of your gums when you smile, particularly above your upper row of teeth, you have what’s called a gummy smile. Gummy smiles are cosmetic issues and are unlikely to cause oral health complications. Still, you might want to treat your gummy smile because of how it looks and how it affects your overall appearance.
What causes a gummy smile?
A gummy smile can be due to specific complications with the structures in your face and jaw. It can develop because of:
- Abnormal tooth eruption
- Poor jawbone development
- Overactive upper lip muscle
- Overgrown gums
- Naturally small teeth
What are my treatment options for a gummy smile?
Botox injections work as a treatment for some gummy smiles because they can counteract the overactive muscles causing your upper lip to recede. Botox works by inhibiting muscle movements that are involuntary or excessive.