If your upper lip rests high above the top of your gum line, it can cause you to become quite self-conscious.
Generally, when smiling, the only parts of the gum that are visible are the small pink triangles that intersect between each tooth. If you have more gum on show, the result is a gummy smile. This can be caused by your lips, gums, or teeth.
Don’t worry; we can address issues with your gummy smile at The London Smile Clinic. Using cosmetic fillers, we can alter the way that your lip lifts above your teeth and gums.
Let’s explore how cosmetic fillers can be used to help with your gummy smile.
Cosmetic fillers are the more commonly used name for botulinum toxin type A. In small doses, the drug will weaken or paralyse a muscle. It does this by preventing the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
Cosmetic fillers are made up of a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is safe and is often used to reduce wrinkles on your face and around your lips. When injected directly into your lips, cosmetic fillers will improve their appearance, making them cover more of your gum.
To address your gummy smile, we’ll insert cosmetic fillers into an area of your lips called the cupid’s bow. This can be found at the centre of your upper lip and is home to the orbicularis oris muscle. This is the muscle used when puckering your lips.
Once the cosmetic fillers start working, your lip muscles will begin relaxing. This will make them curl slightly and appear slightly bigger. Whenever you smile after having cosmetic fillers, your lips will cover your gums.
Your cosmetic filler treatment will be relatively short, following which you’ll be able to go about your day as normal without any need for downtime.
The effects of cosmetic fillers last for between three and four months. Once they have worn off, you’ll need to schedule another appointment, where we’ll inject your lips again.
Having repeat treatments with cosmetic fillers will increase their effectiveness, and you’ll be able to go longer between visits.
Of course, while cosmetic fillers are great for addressing the position of your lips, there are cosmetic dental procedures that can alter the size and shape of your teeth and gums. These include:
When you make an appointment with our expert cosmetic dentist, Dr Tim Bradstock-Smith, he’ll be able to assess your teeth, gums, and lips to provide you with the best possible treatment combination to create a winning smile.
If you’re ready to see what a difference cosmetic fillers can make to your smile, get in touch today and schedule an appointment.