# Gummy smile
A beautiful and harmonious smile is one that reveals the upper front teeth and a little of the gums above. Gummy smile is a condition where you see "too many gums" while smiling. The smile is an important element of the beauty ideal, and when affected, it has a direct effect on self-confidence, self-image, and the desire to smile.
There are many causes of gummy smile. Excessive smile curtain due to increased mobility of the facial muscles elevating the upper lip is a common cause. In this case the treatment is simple and consists of injecting Botox (botulinum toxin) to weaken the movement of these muscles. As with all Botox-based treatments, the result is obtained within a week and lasts for 3 to 4 months.
Increased vertical dimension of the upper jaw or a forward position of the upper jaw is another cause for gummy smile. In these situations, the treatment of choice is orthognathic surgery with the aim of correcting the position of the upper jaw and moving it to a more aesthetic position. Alternatively, one may choose to camouflage the condition by injecting Botox rather than treating the underlying cause. This approach is mainly recommended for people who cannot or do not want to undergo orthognathic surgery to correct the position of the upper jaw.
Another cause of gummy smile is short upper lip. In this case, the treatment of choice is botulinum injection because there is no simple and predictable surgery (with predictable results) for lengthening the upper lip, and therefore Botox treatment is the preferred choice.
Other reasons for gummy smile can be advanced gingivitis, short teeth, or poor tooth position. In these cases, the treatment will be orthodontic treatment or periodontal surgery (gum surgery).