EMG-guided versus Yonsei-point Botox for treating a gummy smile
EMG-guided Botox Injection Versus Conventional Injection in Yonsei Point in Gummy Smile Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial
This trial tests whether using EMG to guide Botox injections works better than the standard Yonsei-point Botox to reduce a gummy smile in adults with mild–moderate vertical maxillary excess.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo) |
| Trial ID | NCT06075134 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Participants with excessive gingival display are randomly assigned in equal proportions to receive either EMG-guided Botox injections or conventional Botox injections at the Yonsei point. Baseline measures include amount of gingival display, lip (philtrum and vermilion) lengths, and smile type. EMG measurements and the guided injections are performed in the Clinical Neurophysiology Department at Kasr Al-Ainy Hospital while the control group receives standard landmark-based injections. Outcomes compare the effect on gingival display and related esthetic measures between the two groups.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–50 who are systemically healthy, non-smokers, have esthetic concerns with excessive gingival display, mild–moderate vertical maxillary excess, and normal clinical crown dimensions are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with severe vertical maxillary excess, active gingival inflammation or enlargement, local infection, pregnancy or breastfeeding, neuromuscular disorders, known Botox allergies, or use of drugs affecting neuromuscular transmission are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, EMG-guided injections could enable more precise targeting of muscles, producing better and more symmetric reduction of gum show with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Standard Yonsei-point Botox injections have been shown to reduce gummy smiles in prior reports, while EMG-guided facial Botox placement has limited but promising evidence from small series.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with excessive gingival display. * Patients with esthetic concerns. * Patients with mild to moderate VME (vertical maxillary excess). * Normal clinical crown dimensions. * Patients aged 18 to 50. * Systemically healthy patients. * Non-smokers. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with severe VME (vertical maxillary excess). * Pregnant and breastfeeding women. * Patients with gingival inflammation and/or enlargement. * Inflammation or infection at the site of injection. * Patients with known allergy to any of the components of Botox (i.e., saline, human albumin, lactose and sodium succinate). * Patients using anticholinesterase or other agents affecting neuromuscular transmission. * Psychologically unstable patients or those who have unrealistic expectations and questionable motives. * Patients with neuromuscular disorders (e.g., myasthenia gravis, Eaton-Lambert syndrome).
Where this trial is running
Cairo
- Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University — Cairo, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sherry Fayez Akhnokh, BSc — Cairo University
- Study coordinator: Sherry Fayez Akhnokh, BSc
- Email: sherry.akhnokh@dentistry.cu.edu.eg
- Phone: +0201284857175
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.