Correction of Gummy Smile using Botulinum Toxin

BOTOX is a neurotoxin used in the management of dystonia as it blocks Ach release resulting in temporary muscle paralysis. It could be used for correction of gummy smile resultant from overfunctioning elevator muscles of the upper lip.The current study aimed to investigate botulinum toxin as a treatment modality of patients withgummy smile.This study enrolled 37 patients; gingival display was assessed as the vertical distance from thegingival zenith of the upper central incisor to the upper lip inferior border.Before Botox, the gingival display during smile ranged between 6-9 mm and 5–7 mm at theincisor and buccal regions, respectively. One week after Botox administration, a significantreduction in gingival display was observed. During smiling, the mean gingival display betweenmaxillary central incisors and upper lip was approximately 1.5± 0.2 mm. In addition, the gingivaldisplay at the incisor and the buccal regions was ranged between 1.2 to 2 mm and 1-1.6 mm,respectively.Botulinum toxin injection is simple, effective, painless, conservative way for correction ofgummy smile, and achieving high patient satisfaction.