Aesthetic Crown Lengthening for Gummy Smile Treatment: A Case Report

Abstract

A beautiful smile can affect a person's appearance, aesthetics, and self-confidence. One of the aesthetic concerns that dental patients often complain about is excessive gingival display, also known as a "gummy smile." A gummy smile can be caused by several factors, including Altered Passive Eruption (APE). Aesthetic crown lengthening can correct gummy smile problems by gingivectomy or bone reduction. A 23-year-old female presented to the Department of Periodontology at RSGM USU, complaining that she was not confident with her smile because the gum tissue of her upper front teeth appeared more prominent. This case report presents the treatment of a gummy smile using aesthetic crown lengthening on teeth 14, 13, 12, 11, 21, 22, 23, and 24, with an internal bevel incision. A full-thickness flap was reflected to allow for bone reduction. A gummy smile caused by APE can be treated with aesthetic crown lengthening, which involves gingivectomy and bone reduction. This treatment effectively improves a patient's smile and boosts their self-confidence. Aesthetic crown lengthening is a suitable treatment approach for patients with gummy smiles resulting from APE. This case report underscores the crucial importance of accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment planning in achieving optimal outcomes for gummy smile cases.