Gummy smile treatment in Rotterdam

What is a gummy smile?

With an ordinary smile, little or no gum shows above the front teeth. With a gummy smile there is clearly more; it is usually called a gummy smile when more than about 3–4 millimetres of gum shows during a broad smile. Medically this is not a problem, but some people feel self-conscious about it and start smiling with their mouth closed.

What causes a gummy smile?

There are several causes, and often more than one plays a part. For good advice it is important to know which cause matters most in your case.

• Strong lip elevators: the muscles beside the nose pull the upper lip up extra high when smiling
• A short or very mobile upper lip
• Gum tissue covering a large part of the teeth, making them look short
• An upper jaw that has grown slightly longer vertically

Treatment with a muscle relaxant

If the lip-lifting muscles are the main cause, a muscle relaxant usually works well. The doctor gives a small injection on each side of the nose into the muscle that raises the upper lip. The lip then lifts less far when you smile. Because the same muscles shape your smile, the doctor uses a low dose; a small top-up at the check-up is preferable to a flat smile.

Not every gummy smile is suited to this approach. If the distance between the nose and the upper lip (the philtrum) is already long, a relaxed upper lip can make it look even longer, which may age the face. If the upper lip already sits low over the teeth at rest, the benefit is limited too. The doctor assesses this beforehand, both at rest and during a broad smile.

Injection, orthodontics or surgery?

A muscle relaxant is the least invasive option, but the effect is temporary. If the cause lies in the gums or the jaw, other treatments are more effective. A dentist or periodontist can correct excess gum tissue, an orthodontist can change the position of teeth and jaw, and with a marked jaw discrepancy jaw surgery is an option. If the doctor sees during the consultation that an injection will do little, you will hear that honestly and we will advise you to see your dentist or a specialist.

What happens during the treatment?

1. 01

   Free consultation

   The doctor looks at your smile, discusses the likely cause, your health and any medication, and gives you a fixed price in advance.

2. 02

   Treatment

   After cleansing the skin, two tiny injections are given beside the nostrils. This takes about 10 minutes.

3. 03

   Effect

   After 3–7 days the upper lip lifts less high; after about two weeks the result is complete.

4. 04

   Free check-up after two weeks

   The doctor assesses whether your smile is balanced and whether a small top-up is needed.

How long does it last and what are the side effects?

The effect lasts on average about 3 months, for some people 2 and for others 4 months. After that your previous smile gradually returns. The upper lip may feel slightly stiff or look a little longer in the first days. A slightly uneven smile occurs rarely and is temporary. If you have questions you can reach the doctor via WhatsApp.

If the dose is too high, drinking through a straw or pronouncing certain sounds can be a little harder for a while; this is another reason the doctor doses conservatively. A mild headache on the day of treatment occasionally occurs.

• Do not lie flat for the first 4 hours
• Do not rub the treated areas
• No exercise, sauna or sunbed for 24 hours

How much does gummy smile treatment cost?

We treat a gummy smile from €75; depending on the amount needed, the price is between €75 and €90. The final price is agreed during the consultation. The consultation and the two-week check-up are free. It is a cosmetic treatment and is not covered by health insurance.