Gummy Smile

WHAT CAUSES A GUMMY SMILE?

A gummy smile (also referred to as excessive gingival display), can be caused by many factors which include:

• Overactive Upper Lip Muscles: muscles that control the movement of the upper lip that  are overactive and cause the lip to lift higher than usual, resulting in more visibility of the gums.
• Short Upper Lip: a shorter upper lip can result in less coverage of the gums when smiling.
• Hypermobile Upper Lip: the upper lip can be hypermobile, meaning that the lip can move more excessively, resulting in a gummy smile.
• Excessive Gum Tissue: some individuals naturally have more gum tissue covering their teeth which becomes more noticeable when smiling.
• Skeletal Factors: skeletal abnormalities of the face and jaw can contribute to the appearance of a gummy smile.
• Smile Dynamics: the dynamics of an induvial smile which includes lip movement and muscle coordination, can affect the visibility of gum tissue when smiling.

One of the most common treatment approaches involves the use of muscle relaxant products to relax the upper lip area. We use products that inhibit the neurotransmitters, thereby preventing the upper lip muscles from contracting which will result in a visible reduction of gummy tissue when smiling.

Understanding the causal factor(s) of a gummy smile is essential in determining the most effective non-surgical treatment approach.

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

The type of non-surgical treatment being administered can determine the longevity of the results. However, if we refer to the most common non-surgical treatment approach, generally, after the first few sessions, the results last around two to three months. However, after regular treatments, the results can last longer because the treated muscles have been retrained.

If you cease the treatments, your muscles will return to normal, and gummy smile with return to its original state—however, the gummy smile does not become worse.

RETURNING TO NORMAL ACTIVITIES

Generally speaking, you can return to normal activities soon after your treatment. However, you should avoid strenuous exercise or massaging the area for the first 24 hours after treatment.

POTIENTAL RISKS

Every non-surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk, and it is important that you understand these risks and the possible complications associated. Majority of patients do not experience the following, but you should discuss each with your physician to ensure you understand.   

Common side effects may occur immediately or may be delayed.    

Pain, burning, stinging, bruising, swelling or redness at the injection site; local muscle weakness including drooping eyelids or eyebrows; swollen eyelids, skin tightness, itching or aching forehead, headaches, nausea and/or flu like symptoms.                                                                   

Although exceedingly rare, in some cases the effect of the product may be observed beyond the site of treatment and the following symptoms may occur – loss of strength and muscle weakness, drooping of upper eyelid, double or blurred vision, trouble speaking, constipation, aspiration and trouble swallowing.  These symptoms can happen hours to weeks after injection and are more likely to occur in patients treated with high doses or who have underlying conditions that would predispose to the above.

POST-PROCEDURE CARE

The following are very common side effects after treatment and should resolve with time.  

• Swelling at puncture sites   
• Bruising 
• Redness at puncture sites  
• Tenderness   
• Tightness  
• You may experience a mild headache; Paracetamol may be taken if required.    

Final Results  

You may notice the effects of your treatment within two – four days.  It can take up to 14 days for the full effect. You may require further treatments to achieve your desired results.   

Aftercare 

Please contact the clinic immediately 1300 373 662 if you experience any inflammatory reaction and/or side effect.  If necessary, additional treatments, medications and/or surgery may be necessary.   

• If out of hours, please attend your local medical centre or emergency department
• You may return to your normal activities (including driving immediately post treatment)  
• We advise no strenuous exercise or alcohol for 24 hours  
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure and extreme temperatures for at least 2 weeks post treatment 

Avoid touching or massaging the treatment area. Avoid facials, waxing, chemical peels, IPL, laser or any other skin treatments for at least 2 weeks after treatment. 

As part of your post-treatment care plan, you will be provided with verbal and written post-treatment instructions.