Lip Repositioning in Houston, TX

Gummy smile correction through lip repositioning

While a glimpse of the gumline during a smile is cute, excessive gingival display is often considered undesirable. Commonly referred to as a gummy smile, a disproportionate exposure of gum can result from an under/over developed jaw or high lip position. This flash of pink is an embarrassment to many, 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.

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 esthetically 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 gumline 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.

Classifications of Gumline Exposure:

  • 1-3mm gingival display
  • 4-6mm gingival display
  • 7+mm gingival display

There are several causes of a disproportionate gumline, 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. We will perform the lip repositioning procedure using a local anesthetic or IV sedation. During this procedure, your doctor will remove a strip of tissue from the inner portion of the top lip. The newly exposed area is then sutured into a lower, more aesthetically desirable position. 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.

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