Zeitschrift für Laser, Optik und Photonik

Gummy Smile Correction: Case Report

Abstract

Mithra N Hegde, Nidarsh Hegde and Raksha Bhat

In the modern day practice of dentistry, it is no longer acceptable to revive single teeth. Patients anticipate a final appearance which is not only physiologically and mechanically sound but also aesthetically pleasing. A gummy smile poses a restorative challenge for dentists attempting to achieve ideal aesthetics. Also, excessive gingival display space is a major concern for a large number of patients visiting the dentist. Cosmetically acceptable smiles show a gingival display of up to 3 mm. Gingival display of greater than 3 mm results in a gummy smile which is often unsightly for the individual and correction is sought. However with the advances in cosmetic dentistry; bleaching, bonding, veneering and laminates have opened doors to a wide variety of elective dental treatments to enhance aesthetic appearance , often reversing the visual signs of aging. A case is reported here on the cosmetic correction of gummy smile wherein periodontal plastic surgery for esthetic crown lengthening was performed in a single appointment using a diode laser and the teeth were restored with laminates for aesthetic enhancement.