Gummy Smile Treatment in Coquitlam, BC

A gummy smile — clinically known as excessive gingival display — is a smile in which an excess of gum tissue above the teeth is visible during smiling. Dental professionals generally define this as showing more than three millimeters of exposed gum. It affects approximately ten percent of adults and is more commonly seen in women. While it is typically a cosmetic concern rather than a functional one, it can significantly affect confidence, self-expression, and comfort in social situations.

The most common cause treated at Smile Well Medical & Spa in Coquitlam is a hyperactive upper lip muscle — specifically the levator labii superioris — that rises higher than normal during smiling, exposing more gum tissue than is typically visible. Other contributing causes include genetic predisposition to excess gum tissue, teeth that remain partially covered by the gums due to developmental factors, and upper jaw protrusion that causes the top jaw to protrude and create a gummier smile appearance.

Botox injected into the hyperactive upper lip elevator muscles temporarily limits how high the upper lip rises during smiling. By gently reducing the muscle's range of upward movement, the lip covers more of the gum line during expression — reducing the visibility of excess gum tissue and creating a more balanced, proportionate smile. The procedure involves only a few small injections, takes minutes to perform, and requires no downtime. Results become visible within a few days and last four to six months.

Results from Botox treatment for a gummy smile typically last four to six months. Repeat treatment at Smile Well Medical & Spa in Coquitlam maintains the improvement, and many patients find that with consistent treatment over time the muscle gradually responds to progressively smaller doses — extending the interval between appointments.

Yes — when performed with precision and the appropriate dosing, Botox for gummy smile produces a result that looks entirely natural. The goal is not to prevent the lip from moving but to gently reduce the height of its rise, so that your smile looks balanced and proportionate rather than restricted or altered. Your provider at Smile Well Medical & Spa will assess your specific lip movement and muscle anatomy before treating to ensure the outcome is subtle, natural, and in harmony with your overall facial expression.

The procedure involves a small number of superfine injections into the upper lip area. Most patients describe the sensation as a brief, mild pinch. Topical numbing can be applied beforehand to further minimize discomfort. The entire treatment takes only a few minutes and requires no recovery time — most patients return to their normal activities immediately after their appointment at Smile Well Medical & Spa in Coquitlam.

Yes. Gummy smiles can also result from excess gum tissue covering the teeth due to dental development factors, upper jaw protrusion affecting jaw alignment, or teeth that appear short relative to the gum tissue. These causes are typically addressed through dental or orthodontic intervention rather than Botox. During your consultation at Smile Well Medical & Spa, your provider will assess the specific cause of your gummy smile and confirm whether Botox is the appropriate treatment — or whether a referral to a dental professional is more appropriate for your situation.