10
Apr
Understanding Botox® for a gummy smile
Botox® is well-known for its ability to relax wrinkles, and in doing so, this injectable treatment softens frown lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet, and other expression lines. At Shine Dental Arts, Drs. Vanessa L. Quihuis and Anthony F.R. Quihuis apply their considerable knowledge of mouth, facial, and jaw anatomy and function when using Botox® for both cosmetic and medical purposes. When looking for the “best Botox® provider near me in Ahwatukee and the greater Phoenix, Arizona area,” you can trust our team’s expertise.
What problems do you treat with Botox®?
We treat a variety of different concerns. They include softening wrinkles on the upper part of the face, those caused by facial expressions like squinting and frowning. When applied to targeted muscle areas in the head and neck, Drs Quihuis can reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. We also use Botox® to treat concerns that are directly related to the function, comfort, and appearance of the mouth area. These concerns include symptoms related to temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJDs) and “gummy” smiles.
Is my smile too gummy?
This is largely a matter of personal preference. No specific definition exists for a gummy smile. If you do not like the amount of gum or gingival tissue that is exposed or visible when you smile, you may wish to have the condition treated.
Is a gummy smile a health concern?
Many conditions affecting your gums can negatively impact your mouth’s health. However, excessive tissue at the gumline is rarely damaging to your oral health. That said, gum or gingival overgrowth can be caused by certain health conditions or the medications used to treat them. These conditions and medications include jaw-related and bite-related imbalances and drugs prescribed to manage blood pressure, prevent seizures, regulate immune function, and more. Medication-involved hyperplasia or overgrowth of the gums can lead to gum disease. So, treating this form of “gummy” smile promptly is important. In general, our team needs to understand the nature of your concern. Only then can we recommend treatments that are appropriate for you.
Is Botox® right for my gummy smile?
It may be, but we cannot confirm that until after an examination is scheduled at our Ahwatukee office in Phoenix, Arizona. We need to rule out any potential underlying causes of gummy smile that could require alternative treatments. Assessing the size or proportion of the gums and teeth is also essential. The rule of thumb is: If the visible gums are around the same size as the visible tooth structure, then Botox® is probably appropriate for you. If your smile does not show as much gum as the length of the exposed teeth, the result will not comply with our high standards at Shine Dental Arts. When the muscles are relaxed, the lip needs to cover the gumline and not drape over the edges of the teeth. We get beautiful results every time by identifying only the best candidates for Botox® for gummy smiles.
Where do you apply Botox®?
The aim of Botox® for a gummy smile is to relax a hypertonic (overly tight) upper lip. To do so, Botox® is injected into targeted, pre-mapped muscles that run down the sides of the nose and underneath the nose. These muscles are responsible for lifting up the lip. You may be among those patients who show more gum than lip when you smile.
When will I see results?
Botox’s effects are revealed gradually. It may take up to two weeks to see the full results. But, once those results are visible, your beautifully balanced smile will largely last for between three to six months. Regardless of the application, all Botox® injections support temporary results. The effects of treatment fade over time. Simply schedule a “touch-up” at our office to maintain the appearance of your smile. Call (480) 893-3072 to discuss Botox® for gummy smile (and much more).
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Drs. Vanessa L. Quihuis and Anthony F.R. Quihuis
At Shine Dental Arts, Dr. Vanessa L. Quihuis and Dr. Anthony F.R. Quihuis combine their expertise and passion to deliver compassionate, high-quality dental care. Together, they create a welcoming environment where advanced techniques, innovative technology, and genuine patient relationships come first. Their shared commitment to continuing education ensures patients receive the benefits of modern dentistry with personalized treatment tailored to each individual. As a united team, they focus on building healthy, confident smiles through comprehensive general, cosmetic, and restorative care. At Shine Dental Arts, their collaboration reflects a deep dedication to trust, comfort, and excellence in every patient experience.