Lip Repositioning
While a glimpse of the gum line during a smile is cute, excessive gingival display is often considered undesirable. Commonly referred to as a gummy smile, a disproportionate gum exposure can result from an under or over-developed jaw or high lip position. This flash of pink is a concern to many patients, and can eventually result in a loss of self-confidence. Traditional jaw correction has been used to reverse an undesirable gum line; however, this can be expensive and requires a long recovery.
GUMMY SMILE CORRECTION THROUGH LIP REPOSITIONING
Lip repositioning surgery offers patients the chance for a proportionate, beautiful smile. The outpatient surgery brings a harmonious balance to the teeth, lips, and gums; restoring confidence in the appearance once again.
Benefits of Lip Repositioning:
- Immediately improves the appearance of a ‘gummy smile’
- Creates a proportionate amount of gum, teeth, and lip
- Gives the top lip a fuller, more aesthetical pleasing look
- Requires only local anesthesia
- Fast recovery with little downtime
- Does not result in external scarring
- Quickly restores confidence and self-esteem
WHO WILL MAKE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR THE LIP REPOSITIONING PROCEDURE?
Between 10% and 25% of all adults are frustrated with the amount of gum line showing when they smile. Anyone unhappy with an excessive ‘gummy smile’ may make a wonderful candidate for the lip repositioning procedure. Those patients considering surgery should be in overall good health, and understand the benefits/limitations of the lip repositioning procedure. There are several causes of a disproportionate gum line, including an abnormal eruption of the teeth, hyperactive lip muscles, and a large or unusually shaped jawbone. At the lip repositioning consultation, we will perform a physical examination to determine if this procedure will be right for an individual’s aesthetic needs.
THE LIP REPOSITIONING PROCEDURE
The lip repositioning procedure is a simple surgical technique designed to restrict high movement of the upper lip. The team at our periodontist's office in Raleigh, NC, will perform the lip repositioning procedure using a local anesthetic or IV sedation. A single procedure is all that is required; usually, no follow-up surgeries will be necessary. Lip repositioning takes about 30-45 minutes to perform. The benefits of the technique can be seen immediately. As any swelling dissipates, the results will continue to improve. Patients will see a bright, confident smile as soon as they leave our office.
