What is a BOTOX® Gum Lift?
July 7, 2021A BOTOX® gum lift is a non-surgical treatment designed to improve the appearance of a gummy smile. A gummy smile is one in which too much of the gum line is exposed, serving to detract from the smile and produce an overly gummy appearance. Also known as excessive gingival display, the issue has traditionally been addressed through surgical removal of gingival tissue. This, however, is both intrusive and rife with potential complications.
BOTOX® can treat a gummy smile by modifying the way the lip rises above the teeth. Through precisely placed injections, BOTOX® can reduce the appearance of excessive gingival display while preserving a natural-looking smile – and it can do all of this without downtime or any of the risks associated with surgical excision of gum tissue.
Good Candidates for a BOTOX® Gum Lift
The best candidates for a BOTOX® gum lift are women and men who are unhappy with the appearance of their smiles due to excessive gingival display. Good candidates should be free of periodontal disease and in generally good oral health – and cannot have any allergies to Clostridium botulinum type A neurotoxin complex, Albumin Human, or sodium chloride, the primary ingredients in BOTOX®.
A BOTOX® gum lift temporarily alters the way the lip rises above the teeth. To maintain results, subsequent treatments will be needed – typically at four-month intervals. If you are looking for something that lasts longer, you may want to consider laser gum recontouring, a treatment that uses laser energy to gently reduce gum tissue permanently.
While gentle, laser gum contouring does require a short recovery period of seven to ten days. During this time, you will still be able to enjoy most normal activities, though some minor discomfort may be present. If this option is better suited to meet your needs, we will discuss after-care in greater detail to help ensure your recovery is both swift and comfortable.
Contact NYC Smile Design to Learn More
To learn more about BOTOX® gum lift, laser gum contouring, or any of the other services we offer at our comfortable Manhattan office, please call NYC Smile Design at 212-452-3344 today. Dr. Mello and Dr. Tabib, our experienced cosmetic dentists, serve New York City and all surrounding areas.