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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · European Journal of General Dentistry 2021; 10(03): 176-182
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1736380
Review Article

The Lip Repositioning Surgery: A Review of the Technique's Evolution

Kelly Gonzales-Medina
1   Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Peru
,
Andrea Mendoza-Geng
1   Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Peru
,
Andrea Vergara-Buenaventura 
1   Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Peru
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Abstract

The lip repositioning technique (LRT) is considered a safe and predictable gummy smile (GS) treatment. However, since Rubinstein and Kostianovsky introduced it in 1973, it has undergone several modifications. This article aims to review and provide a historical compilation of LRT evolution to help clinicians understand each technique's description and the rationale for its modifications to treat GS.

An electronic search was performed in Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Library up to May 2021 including the terms “lip repositioning,” “lip repositioning technique,” or “lip repositioning surgery” and studies evaluating or discussing the original LRT's modifications in detail. The search had no language or time restrictions. Additionally, a hand-searching of references of all included articles was performed.

Modifications described in the literature include muscle severance, subperiosteal dissection of the gingiva, frenectomies, and the use of adjuvant products. They aim to minimize relapse, morbidity, and improve stability. Discomfort, scar formation, and pain were the most frequent complications reported. The choice to use a modification should be analyzed and customized to the individual patient's needs.

Keywords

excessive gingival display - gummy smile - lip repositioning technique - smile


Publication History

Article published online:
18 October 2021

© 2021. European Journal of General Dentistry. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

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