A Confident Smile, Expertly Refined at The Spiegel Center

At The Spiegel Center in Boston, we understand that a gummy smile—where too much gum shows when you smile—can leave you feeling self-conscious. Whether it's due to a hyperactive upper lip, gum recession, or changes from orthodontic treatments, our experts offer advanced non-surgical solutions that help restore facial balance and elevate your natural beauty. Led by Dr. Onir Spiegel, a national leader in aesthetic injectables, our team specializes in the precise use of BOTOX and dermal fillers to correct gummy smiles and address gingival embrasures (“black triangles”)—restoring harmony to your smile and confidence to your life.

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What is a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile refers to the display of excessive gum tissue above the upper teeth when smiling. It may be caused by:

  • A hyperactive upper lip
  • Excessive gum tissue (gingival hypertrophy)
  • A high lip line or a short upper lip
  • Altered passive eruption
  • Bone or tooth alignment issues
  • Orthodontic treatment-related changes (such as Invisalign)

While not medically harmful, many patients seek correction to achieve a more proportional and aesthetically pleasing smile.

Gummy Smile Correction with BOTOX and Fillers

BOTOX works by gently relaxing the overactive muscles that pull the upper lip too high, specifically the levator labii superioris. With precise placement, BOTOX softens the muscle's pull, allowing the upper lip to rest in a lower, more natural position when smiling.

Dermal fillers, on the other hand, can help treat gingival embrasures, often known as black triangles between the teeth. These occur in up to one-third of adults and are typically caused by gum recession, bone loss, or teeth shifting from orthodontic treatments. By carefully injecting filler into these spaces, we can plump and smooth the gum line, creating a more uniform and youthful smile.

In some cases, both treatments may be used together for optimal cosmetic outcomes—relaxing the upper lip while also restoring volume and symmetry to the gum line.

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Gummy Smile CorrectionBefore & Afters

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Benefits of Gummy Smile Correction with BOTOX and Fillers

  • Non-surgical with minimal to no downtime
  • Quick treatment—most sessions take under 20 minutes
  • Customizable for your facial anatomy and goals
  • Results look natural and expressive, not frozen
  • Can treat both excessive gingival display and “black triangle” gaps
  • Enhances smile harmony, facial proportions, and confidence

Am I a Good Candidate for Gummy Smile Correction?

You may be a great candidate if you:

  • Feel self-conscious about showing too much gum when you smile
  • Have noticeable black triangles between your teeth
  • Are in good general health
  • Prefer a non-invasive, temporary solution
  • Want to avoid or delay surgery
  • Desire subtle, natural-looking improvements

A personalized consultation at The Spiegel Center will help determine whether BOTOX, fillers, or a combination of both is right for your needs.

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What to Expect During Gummy Smile Correction

During your visit:

  1. We begin with an expert consultation to assess your anatomy, smile dynamics, and treatment goals.
  2. For BOTOX: A few small injections are placed into the upper lip muscle.
  3. For fillers: We may gently inject dermal filler into the gum line area to improve the black triangle appearance.

The entire process is quick and well-tolerated, with no anesthesia required. You can return to most daily activities immediately after your appointment.

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Recovery and Results

BOTOX:

  • Mild redness or swelling may occur at the injection site
  • Results begin within 3–5 days, with full effect around 2 weeks
  • Effects typically last 3–4 months
  • Follow-up treatments maintain your ideal smile

Fillers:

  • Minor swelling or tenderness may occur
  • Immediate improvement in the treated area, with full results visible in a few days
  • Results can last 6–12 months, depending on the filler type and area treated
Dr. Onir, Dr. Spiegel and Dr. Tower standing together

Why Choose The Spiegel Center for Gummy Smile Correction?

At The Spiegel Center, we combine elite expertise with artistic precision. Dr. Onir Spiegel is a nationally recognized trainer in injectable aesthetics, trusted by physicians and patients for her mastery of facial harmony. Our clinic emphasizes individualized treatment plans using state-of-the-art techniques to achieve beautiful, authentic results. Whether your gummy smile is due to muscle activity, dental anatomy, or post-orthodontic changes, we’ll tailor a plan that enhances your smile without surgery.

Gummy Smile Correction FAQ

How long do BOTOX results last for a gummy smile?

Can fillers help fix black triangles between teeth?

Is there downtime after treatment?

Will these treatments change how I talk or eat?

Are the results natural-looking?

How long do BOTOX results last for a gummy smile?

About 3 to 4 months, with maintenance treatments recommended to sustain results.

Can fillers help fix black triangles between teeth?

Yes. Fillers can be precisely injected into gingival embrasures to improve the appearance of these gaps caused by gum recession or tooth movement.

Is there downtime after treatment?

No. Most patients return to normal activities right away. Minor swelling or redness may occur but fades quickly.

Will these treatments change how I talk or eat?

Not at all. BOTOX only slightly relaxes the upper lip muscles, and fillers are used in areas that won’t interfere with daily functions.

Are the results natural-looking?

Absolutely. At The Spiegel Center, our experienced injectors use advanced techniques to ensure subtle, balanced improvements that enhance—not alter—your natural expression.

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