SMILE ENHANCEMENT BY LIP REPOSITIONING SURGERY: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Objective: One of the most important goals of dental clinicians is to meet the esthetic expectations of the patients. Excessive gingival display upon smiling is defined as "gummy smiling" and this situation may be a problem for the patients. Orthognathic surgery performed in gummy smile cases resulting from jaw deformities eliminates this problem. However, these procedures are quite invasive and requires hospitalization of the patients. For these reasons, "lip repositioning procedure", which involves retraction of smile elevator muscles, may be an alternative in the treatment of some gummy smile cases. Materials and Methods: Gummy smile resulting from lip hyperactivity was diagnosed in a 34-year old female in the Department of Periodontics & Oral Implantogy, At Ahmedabad Dental College & Hospital with the complaint of excessive gingival display upon smiling. Lip repositioning procedure depending on the removal of a strip of mucosa from the maxillary buccal vestibule and suturing the lip mucosa to the mucogingival line was performed. The procedure restricts the muscle pull of the elevator lip repositioning to reduce gingival display. Results: Clinical success was achieved. The patient complained about tension while talking or smiling, which lasted for one week. At the 1-year follow-up, it was observed that the results were maintained and patient was satisfied with her clinical appearance. Conclusions: Lip repositioning procedure performed in the true indication may be an alternative in the treatment of gummy smile.