LIP repositioning surgery and its sequelae in the treatment of a gummy smile: A case report

Abstract

Excessive gingival display, also known as “gummy smile” has several etiologies. A gummy smile is a drawback for the esthetics and social behavior of various patients. Lip repositioning surgery confers predictable results. However, lip repositioning surgery is indicated in patients with a hyperactive upper lip, while gummy smile owing to altered passive tooth eruption and vertical maxillary excess need to be addressed with crown lengthening and orthognathic surgeries, respectively. Lip repositioning surgery is an uncomplicated procedure, which reduces the muscular pull on the upper lip to achieve minimal display of dento-gingival unit while smiling. Nonetheless, few authors question the relapse of the lip position. This report describes a case showing satisfactory results with lip repositioning surgery and after 1 year follow-up shows a nonsignificant relapse in the position of the upper lip. Hence, lip repositioning surgery is a safe and predictable approach for gummy smiles with negligible relapse.