The Gummy Smile and its Concern among Dental Students - A Survey
Abstract
Context: A smile can be displeasing when there is eexcessive gingival show. Currently, correction of a gummy smile is becoming a prime demand by the patients. An exposure of 3 mm of gingival tissue is diagnosed as a gummy smile. Many reasons contribute to a gummy smile and the availability of treatment options falls under a wide range.
Aims: The aim was to assess knowledge among dental students on the gummy smile and its treatment plans.
Methods and Material: The questions were given as Google forms to the participants of the study. Students pursuing bachelors in dentistry were chosen for the study. A set of 20 questions were framed in a questionnaire form with multiple choice questions and students were asked to pick out a single option from provided questions. Questions asked were on the etiology of the gummy smile, lip repositioning procedures, use of botox and gum contouring procedures.
Results: The results depict a correlation between the different treatment modalities of the gummy smile but the choice of treatment is governed by various factors such as patient’s expectation, expenditure, and aesthetic
sense and the skill set of the clinician. This study reveals good knowledge among the participants regarding the factors related to a gummy smile.
Conclusion: In a nutshell, this study indicates that the dental undergraduates have a good knowledge about the gummy smile and its treatment options available. They have an insight about the available treatment modalities but are not equipped with adequate knowledge regarding the diagnostic criteria.
How to cite this article:
Jessica, Thiyagarajan A, Fathima R, Meyyappan A, Semmia, Rajesh. The Gummy Smile and its Concern among Dental Students - A Survey. Chettinad Health City Med J. 2022;11(3):48-51.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202229
References
Mokhtar HA, Abuljadayel LW, Al-Ali RM, Yousef M. The perception of smile attractiveness among Saudi
population. Clin Cosmet Investig Dent. 2015 Jan;7:17-23. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Levi YLAS, Cota LVS, Maia LP. Digital smile design for gummy smile correction. Indian J Dent Res. 2019 SepOct;30:803-6. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Ezquerra F, Berrazueta MJ, Ruiz-Capillas A, Arregui JS. New approach to the gummy smile. Plast Reconstr
Surg. 1999 Sep;104(4):1143-50; discussion 1151-2. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Robbins JW. Differential diagnosis and treatment of excess gingival display. Pract Periodontics Aesthet Dent.
Mar;11:265-72; quiz 273. [PubMed] [GoogleScholar]
Monaco A, Streni O, Marci MC, Marzo G, Gatto R, Giannoni M. Gummy smile: clinical parameters useful
for diagnosis and therapeutical approach. J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2004 Fall;29(1):19-25. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Polo M. Botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of excessive gingival display. Am J Orthod Dentofacial
Orthop. 2005 Feb;127(2):214-8; quiz 261. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Dym H, Pierre R 2nd. Diagnosis and treatment approaches to a “Gummy Smileâ€. Dent Clin North
Am. 2020 Apr;64(2):341-9. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Levine RA, McGuire M. The diagnosis and treatment of the gummy smile. Compend Contin Educ Dent. 1997
2. Aug;18(8):757-62, 764; quiz 766. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Abdullah WA, Khalil HS, Alhindi MM, Marzook H. Modifying gummy smile: A minimally invasive approach.
J Contemp Dent Pract. 2014 Nov;15(6):821-6. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Peck S, Peck L, Kataja M. The gingival smile line. Angle Orthod. 1992 Summer;62(2):91-100; discussion 101-2.
[PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Kokich VO Jr, Kinzer GA, Janakievski J. Comparing the perception of dentists and lay people to altered dental
esthetics. J Esthet Dent. 1999;11(6):311-24. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Gibson MP, Tatakis DN. Treatment of gummy smile of multifactorial etiology: A case report. Clin Adv
Periodontics. 2017 Nov;7(4):167-73. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Saygun I, Karacay S, Serdar M, Ural AU, Sencimen M, Kurtis B. Effects of laser irradiation on the release of
basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and receptor of IGF- 1(IGFBP3) from
gingival fibroblasts. Lasers Med Sci. 2008 Apr;23(2):211-5.[PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Benedetto AV. The cosmetic uses of botulinum toxin type A. Int J Dermatol 1999 Sep;38:641-55. [PubMed]
[Google Scholar]
