Gummy Smile Treatments in Basingstoke
Reveal a confident, balanced smile by treating a high lip line with precision Bocouture injections.
At Hampshire Dental Care, we believe every smile should reflect your inner confidence. If you feel self-conscious about too much gum showing when you smile – commonly called a gummy smile – we offer a subtle, non-surgical solution using targeted Bocouture injections. This simple aesthetic treatment gently relaxes the muscles responsible for lifting the upper lip, allowing your smile to appear more even and harmonious.
What Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile is defined by the excessive visibility of the upper gums when smiling – typically more than 3–4mm. While entirely natural, some people feel their smile looks out of proportion or detracts from their facial balance.
Common causes include:
- Overactive levator muscles in the upper lip
- A short or thin upper lip
- Smaller than average teeth or gum overgrowth
- Jaw or lip positioning from genetics or development
What to Expect
- Initial Consultation: A detailed assessment of your smile, lip mobility, and goals
- Treatment Time: Just 10-15 minutes with minimal discomfort
- Onset of Results: Typically begins in 3-5 days, peaking at 10-14 days
- Duration: Effects last around 3-4 months, with top-ups available as needed
- Downtime: Minimal – clients usually return to normal activities immediately
Who Is Gummy Smile Treatment For?
This treatment is ideal for those who:
- Feel self-conscious about excessive gum display
- Want to improve smile balance without surgery
- Prefer a gentle, non-invasive first step into aesthetics
- Are combining it with other treatments like lip fillers or nasolabial fold smoothing
Combine with Other Enhancements
For a more complete smile transformation, many clients also explore:
- Lip fillers to add volume and definition
- Smile line treatments to soften nasolabial folds
- Teeth whitening or cosmetic dental care
Our team will create a bespoke treatment plan to ensure all elements of your smile work in harmony.
How Does the Treatment Work?
Our gummy smile correction uses Bocouture, a purified botulinum toxin, injected into specific upper lip muscles – most commonly the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi. This reduces the muscle's elevation effect on the lip during smiling, resulting in:
- Less gum showing
- A more balanced and proportional smile
- A natural, expressive appearance (not stiff or “frozen”)
Why Bocouture?
At Hampshire Dental Care, we select Bocouture for its precision and safety profile. It contains no complexing proteins, making it less likely to cause resistance and ideal for sensitive treatment zones like the lip area. It also allows for subtle, tailored dosing that keeps your smile looking authentic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bocouture permanent?
No, this treatment is temporary but long-lasting. Results typically last around 3 to 4 months. With regular maintenance, the effects can be sustained and even prolonged over time.
Will I still be able to smile normally?
Yes. The goal of the treatment is to soften the elevation of the upper lip, not to stop your ability to smile. You’ll still be able to smile and express yourself naturally – just with less visible gum.
Is the treatment painful?
Discomfort is minimal. We use ultra-fine needles, and the treatment is very quick – usually completed in just a few minutes. A numbing cream can be applied if preferred.
Are there any side effects?
Mild swelling or redness at the injection site may occur but usually resolves within a few hours. In rare cases, slight lip asymmetry may appear temporarily but corrects itself as the muscle relaxes evenly.
Can this be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Gummy smile injections are often paired with other aesthetic treatments like lip enhancement, nasal line softening or chin contouring to further balance your lower face and smile aesthetics.
