A bright, confident smile should make you feel amazing—not self-conscious. But if you notice more of your upper gums showing than you’d like when you smile, you’re not alone. This common condition, known as a gummy smile, can make people hesitant to show their full expression, even if everything else about their smile is perfectly healthy.

Fortunately, there’s a simple, non-surgical solution that’s gaining popularity: Botox for gummy smile. At Soul Aesthetics, we specialize in subtle, natural-looking enhancements that help you feel confident in every expression. If you’ve been wondering whether this treatment is right for you, here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile occurs when the upper lip lifts too high during a smile, exposing a significant portion of the gum line. While the definition of a gummy smile varies, many dental and cosmetic professionals consider it “gummy” if more than 2 to 3 millimeters of gum tissue is visible when smiling.

There are several reasons a gummy smile may occur:

• Overactive upper lip muscles
• A naturally short upper lip
• Excessive gum tissue (gingival hypertrophy)
• Small teeth or altered tooth eruption
• A high lip line or jaw development differences

According to the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, excessive gum display is largely an aesthetic issue, not a health concern, but for many, it significantly impacts self-confidence.

How Does Botox Fix a Gummy Smile?

Botox for gummy smile works by gently relaxing the hyperactive muscles that pull the upper lip too far upward when you smile. These muscles—specifically the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi—are responsible for how much your lip elevates during expression.

A small amount of Botox is strategically injected into these muscles to reduce their contraction strength, causing the lip to stay slightly lower. The result is a more balanced smile that still looks completely natural, just without as much gum exposure.

Unlike surgical procedures like lip repositioning or crown lengthening, Botox provides a non-invasive, temporary solution that delivers fast results with virtually no recovery time.

What to Expect During Treatment

At Soul Aesthetics, we ensure your Botox experience is quick, precise, and comfortable. Here’s what a typical appointment looks like:

• Duration: Usually less than 15 minutes
• Pain level: Minimal, most clients report only a small pinch
• Aftercare: No downtime required—just avoid lying down, touching the area, or exercising heavily for the rest of the day

When Will You See Results?

• Day 3–5: You’ll begin to see the upper lip relaxing slightly
• Around Day 14: Full results are visible, with a noticeably more balanced smile
• Effect Duration: About 3 to 4 months on average

Many clients love how subtle yet transformative the result is. You’ll still be able to smile, laugh, and speak naturally, just with more confidence and less gum exposure.

Can Botox Be Combined with Other Treatments?

Absolutely. Botox for gummy smile is often combined with other aesthetic enhancements for a more comprehensive result. One of the most popular pairings is lip filler, which adds volume and structure to the lips, further refining the overall appearance of your smile.

In some cases, patients with more structural or dental-related gummy smiles may be referred to a cosmetic dentist or orthodontist. However, for muscular or lip-related causes, Botox remains a highly effective option.

For more on how Botox works, you can explore resources like the Cleveland Clinic’s Botox overview.

Is It Permanent?

One of the things people love about Botox is its temporary nature. The effects typically last 3 to 4 months. With regular treatments, results can improve over time as the muscle begins to adapt to the relaxed state. This makes it a flexible and low-commitment option for first-time clients or anyone exploring cosmetic enhancement without making permanent changes.

If at any point you decide to stop, the treated muscles simply return to normal function, and your gummy smile will gradually reappear—no long-term side effects.

Is Botox Safe for Treating a Gummy Smile?

When administered by a trained and experienced provider, yes—Botox is extremely safe. In fact, Botox has been FDA-approved for cosmetic use since 2002 and is supported by extensive clinical research. When used for treating gummy smiles, the dosage is small and localized, reducing the risk of side effects.

Still, it’s important to choose a skilled injector who understands facial anatomy and the nuances of smile dynamics. That’s where our team at Soul Aesthetics truly shines.

Why Choose Soul Aesthetics for Botox?

We don’t believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Your smile is one of the most personal parts of your face, and it deserves customized care. Our expert injectors assess your unique facial structure, muscle activity, and aesthetic goals to determine the most natural, balanced result.

We pride ourselves on:

• Proper dosing
• Artistic, precision-based application
• Patient education and transparency
• A comfortable, judgment-free environment

Whether you’re new to aesthetics or ready to explore a refined look, our team will guide you every step of the way.

Ready to Refine Your Smile?

If a gummy smile has been holding you back, you don’t have to settle for discomfort or invasive surgery. Botox for gummy smile is a safe, effective, and subtle solution that can completely change how you feel about your smile—without changing how you express yourself.

Book your consultation with Soul Aesthetics today and discover the power of precision, confidence, and artistry—one smile at a time.