Treatments
Gummy Smile Treatment in Tunbridge Wells
A gummy smile describes a smile in which more gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth than you would like. It can be influenced by upper-lip movement, lip length, gum position, tooth proportions, tooth eruption or the shape of the upper jaw.
At rtwskin in Tunbridge Wells, treatment begins with an assessment of your smile at rest and in movement. This helps establish whether the concern appears mainly muscular or whether dental, gum-related or structural factors may also be involved.
Your practitioner will explain which treatment options may be appropriate, what each option can realistically achieve and whether another specialist assessment should be considered.
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Treatment Pricing
Botox
Botox® for Gummy Smile£85 -
Treatable Areas
Upper lip, nasolabial region, smile lines, perioral area, gummy lines
Gummy smile, overactive upper lip, lip asymmetry
Not required (topical numbing optional)
10–15 minutes
Mild swelling or bruising at injection site
3–6 months
Avoid massaging the area, excessive facial movement, and heat exposure for 24 hours
What Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile, also known as excessive gingival display, occurs when a noticeable amount of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth during smiling.
There is no single measurement that determines whether a smile requires treatment. The important factors are how the smile looks to you, what is causing the gum exposure and whether a suitable treatment can provide a balanced, natural-looking improvement.
Because gummy smiles can have different causes, the same treatment is not appropriate for every patient.
What Can Cause a Gummy Smile?
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Excessive gum display may be caused by one factor or a combination of factors. Possible causes include:
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Overactive Upper-Lip Movement
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The upper lip may lift more strongly or travel further upwards when smiling, exposing more gum tissue.
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A Naturally Short Upper Lip
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A shorter distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip can increase the amount of gum visible during a full smile.
- Gum Position or Excess Gum Tissue
The gums may cover a greater proportion of the teeth, making the visible teeth appear shorter.
- Tooth Size or Eruption Pattern
Teeth may appear short because of their natural proportions, wear or the way they emerged through the gum.
- Upper-Jaw Proportions
The vertical position or shape of the upper jaw can contribute to greater gum exposure.
- A Combination of Factors
Many patients have more than one contributing factor, which is why assessment should come before treatment.
Benefits of Gummy Smile Botox
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Where treatment is appropriate for the underlying cause, potential benefits may include:
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Reduced appearance of excessive gum display
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Improved balance between the upper lip, teeth and gums
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A more proportionate-looking smile
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Subtle improvement without changing the identity of your smile
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A personalised approach based on smile movement and anatomy
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Limited recovery for some non-surgical treatment options
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The result depends on the cause of the concern and the treatment selected. No treatment can guarantee a particular smile shape or degree of gum reduction.
When Will I See Results and How Long Can They Last?
The timing and duration of results depend on the treatment selected.
Some non-surgical options produce a gradual change over several days, while dental or gum-related procedures have different healing and result timelines.
Temporary treatments require maintenance if you wish to preserve the effect. The result cannot always be changed or reversed immediately, so conservative treatment planning and accurate assessment are important.
Your practitioner will explain the expected timeline, likely duration and review process before you decide whether to proceed.
Why choose rtwskin for Gummy Smile Botox?
Our clinic is a trusted name in aesthetic medicine in the South East. Led by experienced professionals, we deliver personalised treatment using the latest non-surgical techniques.
“Our patients love how small adjustments can make a world of difference in their confidence. Gummy Smile correction is one of the most rewarding treatments we offer.” – Dr. Nina Sheffield, Aesthetic Practitioner
We also offer advanced complementary procedures such as Botox Bunny Lines, Botox to Lift Tip of the Nose, Gummy Smile Fillers, and even Gummy Smile treatment botox combinations with Sunekos and Mesotherapy for total rejuvenation.
Which areas can it treat?
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Upper Lip (Levator Labii Superioris)
Reduces the elevation of the upper lip when smiling, which in turn decreases the visibility of gum tissue.
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Smile Zone (Perioral Muscles)
Softens over-dynamic expressions to achieve a proportionate, softer smile.
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Gummy Lines
Addressed with precise injections to balance upper lip movement; a technique often referred to as gummy lines botox.
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Additional Enhancements
Patients may benefit from filler for gummy smile to restore volume where needed and further support lip positioning.
Is Gummy Smile Treatment Right for You?
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Treatment may be considered if:
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you are concerned about excessive gum display when smiling;
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upper-lip movement appears to be contributing to the concern;
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you want a subtle rather than dramatic change;
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you understand that treatment may be temporary;
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you have realistic expectations;
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no medical or anatomical reason has been identified that makes the proposed treatment unsuitable.
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The consultation should assess the full smile rather than focusing only on the upper lip.
When Might Another Treatment Be More Appropriate?
A muscle-focused treatment may not provide the required result if the main cause is:
- excess or prominent gum tissue;
- naturally short or worn teeth;
- altered tooth eruption;
- significant tooth-position concerns;
- upper-jaw proportions;
- marked smile asymmetry;
- a combination of dental and structural factors.
Depending on the assessment, you may be advised to seek an opinion from a dentist, periodontist, orthodontist or maxillofacial specialist.
The purpose of the consultation is to identify the most appropriate pathway, not to recommend the same treatment for every gummy smile.
How Is a Gummy Smile Treatment Plan Chosen?
There is no single treatment plan for every gummy smile.
The first step is to identify the main factor contributing to the gum exposure. Where excessive upper-lip movement is a significant factor, a medically prescribed muscle-relaxing option may be considered following an appropriate consultation and assessment.
Where the cause relates mainly to gum tissue, tooth proportions, tooth position or the upper jaw, a dental, periodontal, orthodontic or surgical pathway may be more suitable.
The recommended plan should reflect the cause of the concern, not simply the appearance of the smile.
This wording must receive compliance approval before publication, as prescription-only medical treatments must not be promoted to the public.
Gummy Smile Treatment vs Lip Flip
A gummy smile treatment and a lip flip may both involve consideration of upper-lip movement, but their aims are different.
A gummy smile treatment plan focuses on reducing excessive gum display where upper-lip elevation is contributing to the concern.
A lip flip is intended to change how the upper lip turns out when smiling, which may create the appearance of slightly more visible lip.
One treatment should not automatically be substituted for the other. The injection pattern, treatment goal and expected result differ.
Gummy Smile Treatment vs Lip Filler
Lip filler adds volume, shape or definition to the lips. It does not directly address excessive upper-lip elevation.
Some patients have both a thin upper lip and a gummy smile, but these are separate concerns. Adding lip volume may improve lip proportions without correcting the main cause of gum exposure.
A consultation can help determine whether the priority is lip movement, lip volume, dental proportions or a combination of factors.
How is the procedure performed?
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Consultation – Our aesthetic practitioners assess your smile and muscle activity.
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Treatment planning – Personalised dosage and placement determined for optimal results.
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Injection – Small quantities of Botox are injected into specific muscles.
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Aftercare – Clients receive instructions to avoid vigorous activity or facial treatments for 24 hours.
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Review – Follow-up appointments offered to ensure satisfaction and make adjustments if necessary.
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For clients exploring botox for smile correction, this procedure is a fast, effective solution for creating facial balance.
Recovery and Aftercare
Aftercare depends on the treatment selected.
For non-surgical treatment, temporary redness, tenderness, swelling or bruising may occur. You will receive personalised instructions about touching the area, exercise, alcohol, heat exposure, make-up and other facial treatments.
You should contact the clinic if you experience:
Follow the advice given for your individual procedure rather than relying on general online aftercare instructions.
When May Dental or Orthodontic Treatment Be Needed?
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A dental opinion may be more appropriate when excessive gum display is related to:
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excess gum tissue;
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teeth that appear unusually short;
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altered tooth eruption;
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tooth wear;
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tooth position;
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jaw proportions;
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a combination of gum, tooth and skeletal factors.
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Possible dental pathways can include periodontal, restorative or orthodontic assessment. More complex jaw-related causes may require specialist surgical advice.
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rtwskin does not replace dental diagnosis. Where the concern appears predominantly dental or structural, referral should be discussed.
Possible Side Effects and Limitations
Possible effects vary according to the treatment selected. Where a medically prescribed muscle-relaxing treatment is considered, possible temporary effects may include:
- redness, tenderness or bruising;
- headache;
- asymmetry;
- excessive weakening of the upper lip;
- a heavy or altered feeling when smiling;
- unwanted changes in lip movement;
- spread of effect to a nearby muscle;
- an unsatisfactory result;
- the need to wait for the effect to reduce gradually.
The treatment does not change gum tissue, tooth proportions or jaw structure and may therefore provide limited benefit where these are the main causes.
See what our clients say
Patient reviews can provide insight into the consultation, care and aftercare experience at rtwskin. Individual suitability, results and recovery vary.
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I have visited rtwskin Clinic twice now for much needed treatment and I have found everyone helpful, supportive, knowledgeable and friendly on both occasions.The clinic is calming, well equipped and clean.
– Tara
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Superb dr who gave me amazing results – I would highly recommend this clinic
Nathalie
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I have been using RTW for a few years and have always loved the results from my treatments. The staff are friendly and helpful, I wouldn’t go anywhere else.
J smith
Before / after
Gummy Smile Before and After Results
Before-and-after images can help demonstrate the type of change that may be possible for appropriately selected patients.
Images should be viewed as clinical examples rather than a guarantee of your result.
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What problems does this service solve?
Gummy Smile Botox treatment resolves aesthetic concerns caused by excessive gum exposure. Whether it’s due to overactive lip muscles or disproportionate lip-to-teeth ratios, this procedure helps restore harmony in facial expression. Many individuals also find it useful after dental work or orthodontic changes, where smile dynamics shift.
What is a gummy smile?
A gummy smile is a smile in which more gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth than you would like. It is also described clinically as excessive gingival display.
What causes a gummy smile?
Possible causes include strong upper-lip movement, a short upper lip, excess gum tissue, short or worn teeth, tooth-eruption patterns, tooth position, upper-jaw proportions or a combination of factors.
Can every gummy smile be treated in the same way?
No. Treatment depends on whether the main cause appears muscular, dental, gum-related or structural. An assessment is needed before a suitable option can be recommended.
How do I know what is causing my gummy smile?
Your practitioner will assess upper-lip movement, gum exposure, smile symmetry and tooth-to-gum proportions. Where a dental or jaw-related cause is suspected, another specialist opinion may be recommended.
Can a muscle-relaxing treatment help a gummy smile?
It may be considered where excessive upper-lip movement is a significant cause. It will not change gum tissue, tooth proportions or jaw structure, so it is not suitable for every gummy smile.
Is gummy smile treatment permanent?
Not all treatment options are permanent. Some non-surgical effects are temporary and require maintenance. Dental or surgical options have different expected durations.
When will I see results?
The timeline depends on the treatment selected. Your practitioner will explain when changes are likely to develop and when a review should take place.
How long do the results last?
Longevity varies according to the treatment, anatomy and individual response. A specific duration should not be guaranteed.
Can gummy smile treatment be reversed?
Not every treatment can be reversed. Some temporary treatments gradually wear off but cannot be immediately cancelled. This is why accurate assessment and conservative treatment planning are important.
What is the difference between gummy smile treatment and a lip flip?
A gummy smile treatment plan focuses on excessive gum display. A lip flip is intended to alter how the upper lip turns out during smiling. The treatment goals and techniques are different.
Can lip filler correct a gummy smile?
Lip filler can add volume and definition but does not directly correct excessive upper-lip elevation. It may be considered where lip volume is a separate concern.
When should I see a dentist about a gummy smile?
A dental assessment may be appropriate if the concern appears linked to excess gum tissue, short teeth, tooth wear, altered eruption, tooth position or jaw proportions.
Is there downtime?
Recovery depends on the treatment selected. Some non-surgical options involve limited recovery, although temporary redness, swelling, tenderness or bruising may occur.
What are the possible side effects?
Possible effects vary by treatment and may include swelling, bruising, tenderness, asymmetry or an unwanted change in lip movement. Treatment-specific risks will be explained before you decide whether to proceed.
Do I need a consultation first?
Yes. A consultation is necessary to assess the cause of the excessive gum display and determine whether treatment at rtwskin or another specialist pathway is more appropriate.
How much does gummy smile treatment cost?
The cost depends on the cause and treatment option. You will receive full pricing after assessment and before agreeing to treatment.
Is gummy smile treatment available in Tunbridge Wells?
Yes. rtwskin provides assessment-led consultations for gummy smile concerns at the clinic in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Find Out Which Gummy Smile Treatment May Be Suitable
A gummy smile can have more than one cause, and the right approach depends on your upper-lip movement, tooth and gum proportions, smile symmetry and facial structure.
During your consultation at rtwskin in Tunbridge Wells, your practitioner will assess these factors and explain whether treatment at the clinic, a dental opinion or another specialist pathway may be appropriate.
You will receive clear information about expected results, limitations, possible side effects, recovery and cost before deciding whether to proceed.
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