Excessive gingival display: treatment by a modified lip repositioning technique

Aim The objective of this prospective study was to investigate outcomes of a lip repositioning technique for the treatment of excessive gingival display. Materials and Methods Thirteen consecutively treated patients with excessive gingival display were treated with a modified lip repositioning technique. Treatment consisted of the removal of two strips of mucosa, bilaterally to the maxillary labial frenum and coronal repositioning of the new mucosal margin. The clinical dimensions of gingival display, upper lip and vermillion length were measured at baseline, 3 and 6months post-operatively. Subjects completed surveys to evaluate satisfaction with outcomes. Results The baseline gingival display of 5.8 +/- 2.1mm significantly decreased to 1.4 +/- 1.0mm at 3months (p<0.0001) and was maintained until 6months (1.3 +/- 1.6mm). The reduction in gingival display strongly correlated to the combined change in upper lip and vermillion length (r2=0.60, p=0.0018). Subjects were satisfied with their smile after surgery and would likely choose to undergo the procedure again (92%). The worst part of undergoing the procedure was the discomfort or the inability to move the lip during the early healing (69%). Conclusion Treatment of excessive gingival display by means of a modified lip repositioning technique results in high level of patient satisfaction and predictable outcomes that are stable in the short term.