Have you ever felt self-conscious about your smile? Many people do. Some might be worried that their teeth aren’t straight enough, while others might feel that their teeth are simply too big or too small. Another common trait that people feel distressed about is a ‘gummy smile.’ This occurs when a portion of the gums shows itself each time you grin. Dr. Reinblatt is happy to report that she has helped hundreds of patients to overcome this condition and feel better about the way they look.
A gummy smile, or ‘excessive gingival display,’ is usually characterized by a large amount of the gums being visible when a person smiles. Causes can be anything from enlarged gum tissue to a short or hyperactive upper lip.
While the ‘gummy smile’ diagnosis can be arbitrary, studies have proven that people notice a difference between smiles that have moderate gum exposure as opposed to those that do not. The consensus is that a smile where more than 2 millimeters of the gums are visible is considered to be ‘gummy.’ While some people are not bothered by this aspect of their appearance, others may want to seek out a solution to change it. Fortunately, there is a way to accomplish a significant transformation.
When approaching this condition, it is essential to first assess what the cause is. In cases where the gums are the issue, measures will need to be taken to improve their appearance. In most cases, however, a gummy smile can best be treated by addressing the lips.
One of the most popular treatments for this is BOTOX. Administering an injection of BOTOX into the upper lip helps relax the muscles and limits the rise of the upper lip while smiling. Naturally, this reduces the visibility of the gums as they receive more coverage from the lip. Usually, two or more BOTOX injections are given in the space between the nose and upper lip. The full results can take up to two weeks to appear and last for up to four months. With subsequent visits, however, patients find that the results last even longer than that.
BOTOX is a safe, minimally invasive procedure. There is little discomfort, and no downtime is needed following the injections. Patients can return to work as soon as they leave the office. The results can be seen almost immediately, and it is one of the most affordable treatments available compared to surgical options. In addition to this, the injections can be adjusted depending on the results that the patient desires.
Practically anyone is a good candidate for this procedure. The only things to look out for are medication use and allergies. Those that are currently taking medications should make that information available to the doctor before going forward with the injections. Those with allergies should also disclose them right away to ensure that no complications result from them. If it is found that the patient is not a good candidate, Dr. Reinblatt will recommend alternative options.
Dr. Maura Reinblatt is highly revered in her craft. Having served on the faculty of institutions such as Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, she has an enormous wealth of experience and expertise to share with the world. With over ten years of successful outcomes, Dr. Reinblatt is always seeking out the most current, cutting-edge techniques on the market so that she may provide them to her patients. She values communication and trust, a virtue that has distinguished her career. She is ready to take your call and help treat your gummy smile so you can feel positively about your appearance once more.