EC Dental Science

Aim: To evaluate using modified type of suture material for elevator muscles containment and its long term effect.

Methods: 23 years old patient had been enrolled at this study, requiring management of her excessive gingival display (EGD) during smiling. The causes of her problem were altered passive eruption and hypermobile lip. An esthetic crown lengthening surgery was carried out first and after 3 months we performed the modified surgical lip repositioning technique, with elevator muscle containment using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) suture material. Patient was followed up 3 weeks, 12 months, 3 and 5 years post-surgical.

Results: At early stage of follow-up the main complaints of patient were the feeling of tension in the upper lip and mild pain which was managed with analgesics. One month postoperatively, the gingival display was recorded to be between 0 and 1 mm, by time (after 1 year) it becomes 1 - 2 mm and still stable up to 5 years. Patient satisfaction records after 1, 3 and 5 years of follow up was satisfied with the result.

Conclusion: This case report presents an innovative and effective therapeutic option to obtain a natural and harmonious smile. The patient expressed a high degree of satisfaction.

 Keywords: Gummy Smile; Hypermobile Lip; Altered Passive Eruption; Elevator Muscles Containment; Suturing; PTFE

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