Smile Correction Using Lip Repositioning, Crown Lengthening And Depigmentation

ABSTRACT

The aim of this case report was to evaluate the clinical outcomes following modified lip repositioning and gingivectomy along with depigmentation in a patient with excessive gingival display. A 22 year old female patient came with the chief complaint of gummy smile and blackened gums. On evaluation, the patient presented with hyperactive lip and moderate vertical maxillary excess. Aless invasive modified lip repositioning procedure was carried out. A partial thickness strip of mucosa was removed leaving the midline frenum intact and the lip mucosa was sutured to the mucogingival line. As the clinical crown length was shorter than the anatomic crown length, crown lengthening by gingivectomy was performed. Laser depigmentation was carried out to treat gingival hyperpigmentation. The patient was evaluated after 2 weeks, 1 and 6 months respectively. An approximate reduction in gingival display of around 3 mm was found and the results were stable at the end of 6 months. Gingival repigmentation had occurred at the end of 6 months, therefore depigmentation procedure was repeated inorder to the maintain the esthetics. In this case, we emphasize on the stable and satisfactory treatment outcome of a non invasive approach made to treat excessive gingival display instead of more invasive surgical treatment.