Durability of botulinum toxin and qualitative analysis for the treatment of gummy smile

Resumen

Abstract

Aim: To quantitatively evaluate the improvement in aesthetics and the lowering of the upper lip following gummy smile (GS) treatment for muscle hypercontraction using toxin type A (BTXA). Method: The study included 16 patients who received 8 units of BTXA bilaterally. Evaluations were conducted at four time points: T0 (before application), T1 (15 days), T2 (2 months), and T3 (4 months). Two distances were measured: (a) from the anterior nasal spine to the lower border of the upper lip, and (b) from the lower border of the upper lip to the incisal edge of the upper right central incisor. The impact of BTXA on quality of life was further assessed through patient satisfaction, using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Result: When measuring the distance from the anterior nasal spine to the lower edge of the upper lip at T3 (14.95 mm), the average distance was greater than at T0 (14.82 mm) but lower than at T1 (16.53 mm) and T2 (15.42 mm). Regarding the average distance between the lower edge of the upper lip and the incisal edge of the upper right central incisor, T3 (11.23 mm) was lower than T0 (12.11 mm) but higher than T1 (8.94 mm) and T2 (8.52 mm). In terms of patient satisfaction, the VAS score at T3 (8.4) was higher than at T0 (4.5), T1 (8.5), and T2 (8.9). Conclusion: BTXA qualitatively improved the patient's quality of life and exhibited a durability of at least four months.