A Modification for Treatment of Excessive Gingival Display: Tooth-Based Lip-Repositioning Technique

Exposure of maxillary gingiva more than 3 mm while smiling is referred to as "excessive gingival display" or "gummy smile." Various treatment options for excessive gingival display are published in the literature, including lip repositioning, crown lengthening, botulinum toxin-A injections, and orthognathic surgeries. This case report aims to present a novel approach to the lip-repositioning procedure for treatment of excessive gingival display. The patient, who visited the department to demand a more esthetic smile, was diagnosed with excessive gingival display caused by hyperactivity of upper lip muscles. Lip repositioning procedure was considered. While evaluating the patient's smile, the amount of gingival display for each tooth region varied. A novel tooth-based modification was planned for the patient for a more precise result. No complication was noted during 10- and 30-day follow-ups. The amount of gingival display while smiling was less than 3 mm for each tooth region. The tooth-based lip-repositioning technique may provide an opportunity to more precisely treat patients with gummy smile.