Lip Repositioning for Reduction of Excessive Gingival Display: A Clinical Report

Excessive gingival display can be managed by a variety of treatment modalities, depending on the specific diagnosis. This case report demonstrates the successful management of excessive gingival display with a lip-repositioning procedure. This is accomplished by removing a strip of mucosa from the maxillary buccal vestibule, then suturing the lip mucosa to the mucogingival line. This results in a narrower vestibule and restricted muscle pull, thereby reducing gingival display during smiling. This article reviews the basic technique for lip repositioning and discusses the indications and contraindications for this novel procedure in dentistry.