Gummy smile is when a large proportion of gum tissue is visible above their front teeth during smiling. A smile is perceived to "gummy" when four millimetres of gum tissue is visible while smiling. However, perception of a gummy smile varies between individuals, some feel that their gums are too prominent whilst smiling, others that their teeth appear too small, or for some that their teeth fail to make an impact while smiling.
Main contributory factors in causing a gummy smile include too long upper jaw and or too short top lip hence not able to cover the gums and teeth sufficiently, teeth failing to erupt correctly, or the gums are too long or hypertrophied (known as gingival hypertrophy).
A gummy smile can make a person self-conscious or embarrassed by their smile.
At Clapham Skin Clinic we administer Botox® into hyperactive upper lip muscles to minimise the appearance of a gummy smile. Previously surgical intervention was the primary treatment option, a costly and painful procedure. In comparison Botox injections are relatively pain free and cost effective. There is no downtime with this procedure. The results can be improved further by plumping up the lips using dermal fillers.
The procedure is performed by Dr Baba, a highly trained and experienced aesthetic doctor who is also a senior trainer for this procedure at London Aesthetic Academy (www.londonaestheticacademy.co.uk)