Gummy smile: when more gum shows than you want

Why do I have a gummy smile, and what can be improved

• Muscle activity: the upper lip may lift more strongly when smiling.
• Lip position: the way the lip moves can expose more gum.
• Dental or gingival proportion: some cases require dental evaluation rather than aesthetic treatment alone.

Can a gummy smile change over time

A gummy smile does not necessarily worsen, but it may become more noticeable as expression or expectations change. The right plan depends on the cause.

What types of gummy smile can appear

• Muscle-led gummy smile: excessive lip elevation with smiling.
• Proportion-led gummy smile: tooth-gum relationship is central.
• Mixed cases: muscle activity and anatomy both contribute.

What results can be expected

When the cause is muscular, botox produces visible improvement within days. The lip rests lower when smiling, reducing gum exposure naturally. Results last several months. Most patients find the change subtle enough to look natural but meaningful enough to feel different about their smile.

What types of gummy smile exist

• Muscle-related: the most common type. The levator labii muscle contracts excessively when smiling, pulling the lip too high. Botox is the most direct approach.
• Anatomy-related: short upper lip or vertical excess of the maxilla may contribute. These cases may need a combined or specialist evaluation.

Does a gummy smile get worse over time

The muscular component tends to remain stable, though changes in lip position or support over time can affect how much gum is visible. In most cases, the main driver is hyperactive muscle activity that has been present since early adulthood.