What is a gummy smile?

A gummy smile refers to excessive gum tissue showing above the upper teeth when smiling — typically more than 3–4 millimeters. It is most often caused by hyperactive upper lip elevator muscles, but lip anatomy, tooth shape, gum structure, and jaw positioning can also play a role.

How does Botox fix a gummy smile?

Small, precisely placed neurotoxin injections relax the muscles that lift the upper lip too high when smiling (most often the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi). With the muscle softened, the upper lip rests slightly lower across the teeth, reducing gum exposure while preserving a natural smile.

How many units of Botox are needed for a gummy smile?

Most patients need a small dose — typically 2–6 units of Botox total, divided between both sides. Dosing is highly individualized based on muscle strength, lip anatomy, and how much gum shows at full smile.

How long do gummy smile Botox results last?

Results typically last 3–4 months. With consistent treatment, many patients find the muscle softens its baseline activity over time and results can last slightly longer between visits.

When will I see results from gummy smile Botox?

Most patients notice softening within 3–7 days, with full effect around 10–14 days. We typically follow up at two weeks to assess and refine if needed.

Is Botox for a gummy smile safe?

Yes, when performed by an experienced injector. Because the dose is small and the target muscles are precise, the treatment is well tolerated. Provider skill is critical — placement that is too deep, too lateral, or overdosed can flatten the smile, so technique matters more here than in almost any other neurotoxin area.

Will Botox change my smile or make it look frozen?

Not when dosed conservatively and placed precisely. The goal is to reduce excess lip elevation by a few millimeters, not to restrict the smile. Done correctly, you still smile fully — you simply show less gum.

Is there downtime after gummy smile treatment?

Typically none. Most patients return to normal activities immediately. Minor redness or a tiny bump at the injection site can occur briefly and resolves within minutes to a few hours.

Who is a good candidate for gummy smile Botox?

Patients whose gum exposure is driven by overactive upper lip muscles are the best candidates. If the cause is primarily skeletal (jaw position) or related to tooth proportions, neurotoxin alone may not be sufficient — a consultation helps determine the right approach.

How much does gummy smile Botox cost in Addison, TX?

Because we price per unit and most gummy smile treatments require only a small number of units, the cost is typically modest compared to other neurotoxin areas. Exact pricing is reviewed transparently during your consultation.

Botox for Gummy Smile in Addison, North Dallas, Plano, Frisco & Dallas

What Causes a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile can happen for several reasons, including:

Overactive upper lip muscles
Lip anatomy (a shorter upper lip or thinner vermillion border)
Tooth shape or gum structure
Jaw positioning

One of the most common causes is hyperactive muscles that elevate the upper lip too high when smiling — specifically the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi, the muscle that lifts the upper lip and the side of the nose.

How Neurotoxin Treatment Helps

Strategically placed neurotoxin injections (Botox or Dysport) can help relax the muscles responsible for excessive upper lip elevation. This allows the upper lip to rest slightly lower when smiling, reducing gum exposure while maintaining a natural appearance.

The goal is not to "freeze" the smile, but to soften muscle movement for better facial balance.

For more on how neurotoxins work generally, see our overview of Botox and Dysport at Unscripted and our guide on how long results last.

What to Expect

Treatment is:

Quick and minimally invasive
Typically completed in minutes
Associated with little to no downtime

Most patients begin noticing results within 1–2 weeks, with full effect around day 10–14. We typically schedule a follow-up at two weeks to evaluate symmetry and refine if needed.

Natural-Looking Results Matter

Gummy smile treatment is highly technique-dependent. The target muscles are small, paired, and sit close to other muscles that shape the smile. Small adjustments can create subtle yet impactful improvements while preserving authentic facial expression — but the same dose placed incorrectly can flatten or distort the smile.

At Unscripted Medicine, we focus on personalized, natural-looking aesthetic treatments designed to enhance facial harmony rather than overcorrect it. Every gummy smile treatment is performed by Keri King, PA-C, who brings more than 20 years of injectable experience.

Curious whether gummy smile Botox is right for you?

A short consultation can determine whether your gum visibility is driven by muscle activity — and whether a subtle neurotoxin treatment is the right tool.

Is Gummy Smile Treatment Right for You?

Every smile is unique. A consultation helps determine whether neurotoxin treatment is an appropriate option based on your anatomy, muscle movement, and aesthetic goals. In some cases, we may discuss complementary approaches — such as a subtle lip flip or upper lip filler — to refine the proportion between lip, teeth, and gum.

If you've ever felt your smile shows more gum tissue than you'd like, a subtle treatment approach may help create a more balanced appearance.

Before & After Example

Gummy smile before and after Botox treatment — reduced gum exposure and more balanced smile, Unscripted Medicine Addison TX — Before (top) and after (bottom): less gum exposure, softer upper lip elevation, natural smile preserved.

Why Patients Choose Unscripted Medicine

Patients across Addison, North Dallas, Plano, Frisco, and Dallas come to Unscripted because we don't follow a script. Every treatment is built around your anatomy and your goals — not a one-size protocol. For a small, technique-sensitive area like the gummy smile, that precision matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Interested in Learning More?

Schedule a consultation with Unscripted Medicine in Addison, Texas to discuss personalized facial balancing treatments — serving North Dallas, Plano, Frisco, and Dallas.

Botox for Gummy Smile: A Subtle Way to Create Smile Balance in Addison, North Dallas, Plano, Frisco & Dallas