Botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of excessive gingival display.
OBJECTIVE
One cause of excessive gingival display is the muscular capacity to raise the upper lip higher than average. Several surgical procedures have been reported to improve the condition, but surgery always involves risk and is costly. Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) (Botox; Allergan, Irvine, Calif) has been studied since the late 1970s for the treatment of several conditions associated with excessive muscle contraction or pain. This clinical pilot study was performed to determine whether BTX-A injections would reduce excessive gingival display.


METHODS
Five subjects with excessive gingival display due to hyperfunctional upper lip elevator muscles were treated with BTX-A injections.


RESULTS
This treatment modality was effective, producing esthetically acceptable smiles in these patients. The improvements lasted 3 to 6 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Injection with BTX-A at preselected sites is a novel, cosmetically effective, minimally invasive alternative for the temporary improvement of gummy smiles caused by hyperfunctional upper lip elevator muscles.
Polo
Mario
M
Department of Surgery, San Jorge Children's Hospital/Plastic and Reconstructive Center, 702 La Torre de Plaza, 525 F.D. Roosevelt Avenue, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918-0702, USA. smiledesigner@caribe.net
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D005881:Gingiva; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008046:Lip / Q000187:drug effects*; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects; D023861:Photography, Dental; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012904:Smiling
D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A