DENTISTRY & FACIAL AESTHETICS BESPOKE | CALM | CARING WETHERBY | YORKSHIRE
Treatment of Gummy Smiles
WHAT IS A GUMMY SMILE?
A gummy smile is when you have a large portion of gum showing when you talk or smile. Even though this is perfectly normal, people with gummy smiles can feel self conscious, as they are often not aesthetically pleasing, however a gummy smile can be can be dealt with via various treatment options.
WHAT CAUSES A GUMMY SMILE?
Short upper lip – If your upper lip is short it can show off too much gum which gives a gummy smile appearance.
Abnormal erupting teeth – If your teeth have grown abnormally it can make the gums look bigger giving the appearance of a gummy smile
Overactivity of lip elevator muscles – If your teeth have grown abnormally it can make the gums look bigger giving the appearance of a gummy smile
HOW DO WE TREAT A GUMMY SMILE?
1. BOTOX® Injections
Injectable Botulinum toxin A is a purified protein extracted from Botulinum bacteria used for anti-ageing treatments. Botox® is a prescription-only medication (POM) and is prescribed specifically for you. Botulinum toxin type A injections are approved by the Food and Drug Agency (FDA). Amy would use a fine needle targeting specific muscles with minimal discomfort, which would relax the muscle so that it and reduces the severity of a gummy smile. They do not require any anaesthesia (numbing), and you can carry on your normal activities afterwards.
The treatment itself takes a matter of minutes following which the results take 7-14 days to take effect.
PRICE : £195
2. Lip Fillers
Occasionally,. after assessment, we recommend a combined approach using a small volume of hyaluronic acid dermal filler to help improve the shape, position and "fall" of the lips alongside treatment with Botox®. Click here to find out more about subtle lip filler treatment
PRICE : from £250
HOW DOES IT WORK?
When smiling, a message is sent via nerves from the brain to the muscles instructing them to contract. Anti-wrinkle injections can block this message meaning the muscles are unable to lip the lip quite so high.
HOW LONG DOES TREATMENT LAST?
Botox® typically lasts 3-6 months. As the effects wear off muscle action gradually returns and require re-treatment.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS?
Following treatment, you will be provided with verbal and written aftercare instructions to minimise your risk of side effects. This is a very safe procedure -the amount of Botox® used per injection is extremely minimal. You may experience some minor side effects including minor redness or swelling that subsides within an hour, and rarely bruising. Less commonly reported are headaches that last 24-48 hours after treatment. There is no downtime and so you can resume your daily activities immediately.
Amy will discuss all the risks and benefits of treatment during your mandatory pre-treatment consultation to ensure you are fully informed.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER TREATMENT?
DO resume your normal life straight away!
IDEALLY- use the muscles we have injected in the hour after treatment e.g if you have had your frown treated, frown as much as possible as research has shown this encourages a quicker uptake of the product.
DON’T
- RUB YOUR FACE for 24 HOURS
- lie down for 4 hours
- have very hot showers/baths/saunas
- do vigorous exercise for 24 hours
- don’t have excessive alcohol on the day of the treatment
Full aftercare and contact in case of any (very unlikely) emergency is included in the cost of all treatments.
