Lip Repositioning as an Alternative Treatment of Gummy Smile

Abstract

Objective Excessive gingival display (EGD) may compromise esthetics during smile. As the etiology is multi-factorial, various treatment options have been described for the management of EGD. The aim of this report was to present the management of four patients with EGD by lip repositioning technique as a minimally invasive treatment modality. Case Four female patients referred to our department with a chief complaint of unaesthetic appearance during smiling. Clinical examination revealed EGD as a result of vertical maxillary excess and hypermobile upper lip. Lip repositioning surgery was performed in order to restrict the pull of the elevator lip muscles. No complications or recurrence were observed at 6-month follow-up and all patients were satisfied with the outcomes of the procedure. Conclusion As a safe and relatively simple procedure, lip repositioning may provide satisfactory outcomes for patients with excessive gingival display.

Keywords

• excessive gingival display
• gummy smile
• hypermobile lip
• lip repositioning
• smile esthetics

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