A smile is one of the most powerful and positive elements of facial expression. However, when the gums show more than usual during a smile, it can become an aesthetic concern for many people. Known in the medical literature as gummy smile, this condition is successfully treated in 2026 using both surgical and non-surgical methods.
What Is Gummy Smile?
Gummy smile is defined as the visibility of more than 2 millimetres of the upper gum line during a smile. While not a medical problem in itself, it can negatively affect a person's self-confidence and social interactions. Research suggests that approximately 10–15% of the adult population has a gummy smile.
Causes of Gummy Smile
There can be more than one cause for this condition, and the treatment approach is shaped accordingly:
- Excessive upper lip movement: Overactivity of the levator labii superioris muscle pulls the lip higher than normal, exposing the gumline.
- Short upper lip: An anatomically short upper lip increases gum visibility during smiling.
- Vertical maxillary excess: The upper jawbone being longer than normal in the vertical dimension.
- Gingival hyperplasia: Overgrowth of the gums or insufficient eruption of the teeth.
- Combined causes: The simultaneous presence of more than one contributing factor.
Gummy Smile Treatment with Botox
In cases of muscle-related gummy smile, botulinum toxin is the most practical and effective treatment method. A low dose of botulinum toxin is injected into the muscles that excessively lift the upper lip — particularly the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi — to control the degree to which the lip is pulled upward.
Treatment details:
- Typically 2–5 units are applied to each side
- The procedure takes approximately 5 minutes
- Effects begin within 3–5 days
- Duration is approximately 4–6 months
- Discomfort is minimal
New injection techniques developed in 2026 allow for more predictable results. In particular, the SNAPP technique (Selective Neuromuscular Adjustment for Precise Positioning) enables finer calibration of muscle movement with greater precision.
For pricing information, please contact us for a personalised consultation.
Alternative Treatments Beyond Botox
Hyaluronic Acid Lip Filler
Filler applications that add volume to the upper lip increase its capacity to cover the gumline. When combined with botulinum toxin, a synergistic effect is achieved. This approach is particularly preferred in cases caused by a short upper lip.
Lip Repositioning Surgery
In moderate to severe cases, a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed through the inner surface of the upper lip repositions the lip downward. This provides a permanent solution, and recovery takes approximately 1–2 weeks.
Orthodontic and Periodontal Treatments
In cases of gummy smile caused by dental or gingival factors, options such as orthodontic treatment, aesthetic gum surgery (gingivectomy), or orthognathic surgery may be considered. These treatments generally require a multidisciplinary approach involving a dentist or orthodontist.
Laser Gingivectomy
In cases of gummy smile caused by excessive gum tissue growth, excess gingival tissue is reshaped using a laser. The procedure is performed with minimal bleeding and the recovery period is short.
Choosing the Right Treatment Approach
The first step in treating gummy smile is correctly identifying the underlying cause. In muscle-activity-related cases, botulinum toxin is recommended as the first-line option, while surgical interventions may be more appropriate in bone- or gum-related cases. In many patients, combination treatments yield the best outcome.
Conclusion
Gummy smile is an aesthetic concern that can be effectively corrected today with personalised treatment plans. At Virtuana Clinic, we perform a detailed smile analysis for each patient to determine the most appropriate treatment approach. The right solution for a confident smile begins with an accurate diagnosis.
This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified physician for treatment decisions.