Cosmetic Injectable · Physician-Performed

Gummy Smile Treatment

Non-surgical BOTOX® treatment to reduce excessive gum display when smiling. Conservative, physician-performed approach for natural-looking results.

All aesthetic injectable treatments at Dr. Berens MD Concierge Healthcare & Wellness are personally performed by Dr. Berens to ensure precision, safety, and natural outcomes.

A “gummy smile” occurs when excessive gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth when smiling. This can be caused by hyperactive upper lip muscles that elevate too high during smiling. BOTOX® can selectively relax these muscles to reduce gum visibility.

This is a conservative, non-surgical treatment that provides temporary improvement. It’s ideal for patients who are bothered by excessive gum display but don’t want surgical intervention.

Treatment Process

Smile Analysis

Dr. Berens evaluates your smile, lip movement, and gum display to determine if BOTOX® is appropriate and which muscles to target.

BOTOX® Injection

Small amounts of BOTOX® are injected into the muscles that elevate the upper lip. Treatment takes 5-10 minutes.

Gradual Results

Gum display gradually reduces over 7-14 days as BOTOX® takes effect. Results last 3-4 months.

Benefits of Gummy Smile Treatment

Non-surgical solution

Quick treatment (5-10 minutes)

Minimal to no discomfort

No downtime

Natural-looking reduction in gum display

Reversible (effects wear off in 3-4 months)

Can be combined with other treatments

Physician-performed for precision

Understanding the Treatment

BOTOX® for gummy smile works by temporarily weakening the muscles that pull the upper lip upward when you smile. This results in:

Reduced elevation of the upper lip during smiling

Less visible gum tissue when you smile

More balanced tooth-to-gum ratio

Maintained natural smile expression

Important: This treatment is conservative and temporary. It does not replace surgical options for severe gummy smile cases. Dr. Berens will determine if you\’re a good candidate during consultation.

Ideal Candidates

Adults with excessive gum display when smiling

Patients seeking non-surgical treatment

Individuals with mild to moderate gummy smile

Those wanting temporary, reversible improvement

Patients considering but not ready for surgery

Individuals who value physician-performed treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my smile look natural?

Yes. When performed correctly by an experienced physician, BOTOX® for gummy smile provides natural-looking improvement. You’ll still be able to smile normally—just with less gum showing. Dr. Berens uses conservative dosing to preserve natural expression.

Results typically last 3-4 months, similar to BOTOX® for wrinkles. Repeat treatments are necessary to maintain improvement. Some patients find duration increases slightly with repeated treatments.

Discomfort is minimal. BOTOX® injections use very fine needles, and the upper lip area is small. Most patients report only mild pinching during injection.

Side effects are rare when performed by an experienced physician. Potential risks include asymmetry, difficulty drinking through a straw, or unnatural smile (extremely rare). Dr. Berens will discuss all risks during consultation.

Surgical options (lip repositioning, crown lengthening) provide permanent correction but require surgery, anesthesia, and recovery. BOTOX® is non-surgical, temporary, and reversible—ideal for patients wanting to try improvement without commitment to surgery.

Before & After