The use of botulinum toxin as a way of treatment for gingival smile: case report

Abstract

Gingival smile is defined as excessive gum exposition. Its etiology may be related to several factors, among them a maxillary vertical excess, superior dentoalveolar protrusion, changed passive extrusion and or eruption of anterior-superior teeth and hyperactivity of superior lip lift muscle.  In cases in which the etiological factor is from muscle, the use of Botulinum toxin typo A (BTX-A) should be indicated. To highlight the benefits obtained with therapeutic use of this substance, the authors describe a clinical case of a female young patient, in which the Botox® was applied to correct gingival smile as a way to complement the orthodontic treatment. The applications were performed in two lateral points on the nose wing in a single session. The result was very satisfactory and there was no need additional dose. The authors concluded that BTX-A is a safe option and minimum invasive for treatment of gingival smile when provoked by muscle hypercontraction. Its side effects are rare with discrete discomfort during the application.