Investigation Of The Efficacy Of Botulinum ToxinIn Gummy Smile Treatment

This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of botulinum toxin applied to the different muscles of patients which have excessive gingival display and to evaluate the subsequent relapse. Twenty-eight patients who had gummy smile more than 2 mm were randomly divided into 2 groups. Botulinum toxins were administered equally to the left and right of LLSAN muscle of the 1st group, and OO muscle of 2nd group. Pre- and post-injection of 3rd, 15th day, 1st, 4th, 5th and 6th month photographs were taken and measurements were done. Visual analog scale was applied to assess the degree of satisfaction. The average amount of visible gingiva in the group 1 which was 4.92 mm at the beginning of the treatment was determined as 1.92 mm at the 15th day. In the group 2, the average amount of visible gingiva which was 4.58 mm at the beginning was determined as 2.16 mm at 15th day. In both treatment groups, it was determined that the measurements at the 6th month did not return to their initial values. The decrease in gingival appearances in the group 1 was greater than in the group 2. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of relapse duration. In both groups, it was seen that the increase of satisfaction in patients was at a high level. For gummy smile correction, botulinum toxin injection is thought to be an alternative method because it is effective, conservative and has high patient satisfaction.