A doctor-performed treatment to reduce the amount of gum that is visible when smiling. A gummy smile is a common aesthetic concern related to the way the upper lip moves and the proportions between the lip and gums during smiling.
M1 Med Beauty treats gummy smile concerns at our Sydney CBD and Melbourne CBD clinics. Treatment suitability is assessed following a consultation with a qualified doctor. Free consultations.
A gummy smile is the term for when a significant amount of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth when smiling. Most smiles show a small amount of gum, which is entirely normal. A gummy smile is when that proportion is noticeably higher, drawing the eye to the gum line rather than the teeth and creating the impression of a disproportionate smile.
The most common cause is an overactive muscle that lifts the upper lip when smiling. In most people this muscle lifts the lip to a position that shows a natural balance of teeth and gum. When this muscle is more active than usual, it pulls the lip further upward and exposes more of the gum. The teeth, gum and jaw structure themselves are usually completely normal. The issue is in how far the lip travels when the smile muscles activate.
A doctor-performed treatment placed precisely into the muscle responsible for lifting the upper lip reduces how far the lip rises when smiling. With the muscle’s lifting force gently reduced, the upper lip can cover more of the gum during a smile, bringing the proportion back into balance.
Results typically last up to four months. The treatment can be repeated when the effect begins to wear off. Many patients have the treatment three to four times a year to maintain a consistent result.
Most patients return to normal activities the same day. Some mild redness or tenderness at the treatment points may be present briefly. Your doctor will provide specific aftercare instructions before you leave, including guidance on activities in the hours following the appointment.
Individual results vary. The outcomes shown here are specific to this patient and do not necessarily reflect the outcomes other patients may experience. All cosmetic procedures carry risks. Please consult one of our doctors before making any decisions.
The most common cause is an overactive muscle that lifts the upper lip when smiling. When this muscle is more active than average, it pulls the upper lip further upward and exposes more gum. The teeth, gum and jaw structure are typically normal. Other contributing factors can include a shorter than average upper lip, the natural position of the lip at rest, or the way the teeth have erupted. Your doctor will assess which factors are at play in your specific smile at consultation.
A doctor-performed treatment placed into the muscle responsible for lifting the upper lip can reduce the muscle's activity. With less lifting force, the upper lip does not travel as far upward when you smile, covering more of the gum and creating a more proportionate smile. The teeth remain fully visible.
When done correctly, the treatment should make the smile look more proportionate without noticeably changing the smile itself. The goal is a subtle reduction in gum exposure, not a dramatic change. The treatment requires precise dosing: too much reduces the lip lift too significantly and can affect the smile. This is why clinical judgment and appropriate placement matter. At M1 Med Beauty this is assessed by a doctor at every appointment.
Results typically last up to four months, after which the muscle gradually regains its normal activity and the gum exposure returns to its previous level. Many patients choose to repeat the treatment three to four times a year to maintain the result. Your doctor will advise on the right timing for a follow-up at your consultation.
