Gummy Smile Treatment

A gummy smile, where excessive gum tissue is visible when smiling, is a common concern that can affect confidence in social situations. At Mojo Cosmetic Clinic, we offer a solution using TGA-approved muscle relaxant treatments to address this issue.

By applying low-dose injections to the lip elevator muscles, we can help reduce the elevation of the upper lip during smiling, creating a more balanced and natural smile. This treatment is carefully tailored to ensure subtle, natural-looking results while prioritising safety and patient satisfaction.

Please note: Temporary side effects such as redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site may occur. Serious complications are rare but possible. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional to determine if this treatment is suitable for you.

Appointment time
30mins
Affordable Treatments
POA
Downtime
None. Other than some potential tenderness at the injection site, most patients can return to their day immediately
Expected Results
Results seen in 7-14 days, and lasting up 3-4 months

Understanding Gummy Smile Treatments

Gummy smile treatments aim to reduce excessive gum visibility when smiling, laughing, or talking. At Mojo Cosmetic Clinics, we offer safe and effective options using TGA-approved products and techniques:
  1. Muscle relaxant injections
    • Targeted, low-dose injections into the lip elevator muscles subtly lower the upper lip, reducing gum exposure. This quick, in-clinic treatment lasts 3–6 months and involves minimal discomfort.
  2. Lip filler
    • Ideal for patients with smaller lips, carefully placed TGA-approved dermal fillers enhance lip volume and proportion, helping to balance the smile. Results are immediate and natural-looking.

Other options, such as gum reduction surgery, orthognathic (jaw) surgery, or cosmetic dentistry, may be considered for structural issues or significant concerns but often involve higher costs, longer recovery times, or irreversible changes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

See some of the most frequently asked questions we hear about our Cosmetic treatments, from our clients in Neutral Bay.
What is a gummy smile?

Gummy smile is defined by 2-4mm of gum that is showing when smiling.

Excessive gum show during smiling can be caused by gum overgrowth, irregular teeth shape and size, or most commonly from excessive activity of muscles involved in raising the upper lip.

What causes gummy smile?

Gummy smiles are caused by overactivation of the three muscles associated with lip elevation; the levator labii superioris, levator labii superioris alaeque nasi, and zygomaticus minor. This is often genetic and tends to run in a family.

Other more uncommon causes include:

  • Excessive gum growth (gingival hyperplasia)
  • Irregular vertical position of the upper jaw
  • The size and shape of the teeth
Is a gummy smile genetic?
Gummy smiles do tend to run in the family. However, this is not the only cause for a gummy smile.
Can a gummy smile be corrected?
Yes. This is often a simple in office procedure using muscle relaxant injections to reduce the overactivity of the LLSAN (a muscle involved in lip elevation).
Will children outgrow a gummy smile?

This varies from child to child and is based on the underlying cause for a gummy smile.

Children still have developing jaw structures until their late teens. Also, gum irritation secondary to braces/orthodontic work can cause gum swelling and worsen the appearance of a gummy smile.

Asssessment later in the teenage years can provide a better clue as to whether a gummy smile is likely to persist into adult life.

Can a gummy smile be corrected with braces or Invisalign?

This is very unlikely.

Straightening teeth with either Invisalign or braces will not correct overactivity of the lip elevator muscles, change the vertical height of the upper jaw, or plump the upper lip to reduce the appearance of the upper gums.

Often, gums can be irritated from braces and Invisalign, which can lead to gum thickening (gingival hyperplasia) and a more prominent gummy smile.

How is gummy smile treated?
After a thorough personal history and examination, your cosmetic physician will numb and clean the treatment area. Targeted muscle relaxants are then delivered via ultrathin needle to the hyperactive lip elevator muscles. Ice is applied afterwards to decrease the risk of bruising.
Do gummy smile injections hurt?
No. There is minimal discomfort with this procedure. Ice packs are always used prior to our injections. If required, numbing cream and/or happy gas may be used.
Where are gummy smile injections placed?

Most gummy smile muscle relaxant injections are placed into the Levator Labii Superiorus Alaeque Nasalis (LLSAN muscle).

These paired muscles run down on each side of the nose over the inner cheek. Injections 0.5-1cm left and right of the nose (one injection per side).

Occasionally, gummy smiles are caused by pull of the Zygomaticus muscles. This is an advanced area to treat, and focuses on the areas just above the outer edges of the smile.

How long do gummy smile injections last for?
This will vary person to person. The treatment usually lasts 3-4 months, although some patients may notice longer lasting results. You may notice treatments start to wear off after 10 weeks.
What are the potential side effects of gummy smile injections?

This treatment is usually well tolerated, with minimal risks involved.

Uncommonly there is a small amount of bruising associated with injections. This occurs in about 1 in 10 patients. Bruising is often minor and easily covered by makeup. Commonly, patients may complain of asymmetry. This is often short lived and corrects by itself by 3 weeks post treatment. It is for this reason your follow up appointment is scheduled at this time. There is a rare risk of overtreatment of the area, causing less tooth show at rest. Problems with speech post treatment are rare.