Management of gummy smile with an interdisciplinary approach

In this extremely competitive society, esthetic appearance plays an important role in the acceptance and self-esteem of individuals. Facial expressions and smile are the primary constituents of fast and effective nonverbal communication. Gummy smile is a frequent finding that can occur because of various intraoral or extraoral etiologies. Gummy smile is considered unattractive and a major cause of embarrassment. Lip repositioning was first described in 1973 by Rubinstein and Kostianovsky as a conservative surgical method for correcting a gummy smile. This procedure minimizes the gingival display by limiting the retraction of the elevator smile muscles. This case report describes the management of gummy smile using an interdisciplinary approach. Despite other possible alternatives, the present case was treated with minimally invasive perioplastic surgery (crown lengthening and lip repositioning) and cosmetic restorations of maxillary anterior teeth. Surgical lip repositioning is a safe, predictable procedure with minimal risks or side effects.