title: Gummy smile: clinical parameters useful for diagnosis and therapeutical approach.
abstract: In the analysis of the characteristics of a pleasant smile, a gummy smile has negative components, which most affect the esthetics of non-verbal communication. For this purpose a proposed classification based upon etiopathogenetic criteria as useful indications for a therapeutical approach is given. The nature of a high smile line can be: dento-gingival, connected to an abnormal dental eruption, which is revealed by a short clinic crown; muscular, caused by an hyperactivity of the elevator muscle of the upper lip; dento-alveolar (skeletal), due to an excessive protuberance or vertical growth of the jawbone (maxillary); lastly, a mixed nature, in the presence of more than one of the above described factors The diagnosis of gummy smile must be precocious and based, with reference to specific parameters, upon a careful analysis of the etiopathogenetic factors and the degree of seriousness of the alteration. A correct treatment plan must contemplate the possibility of an orthognatodontic, orthopedic and/or surgical therapeutic resolution considering the seriousness and complexity of the gums exposures (high smile line) in connection with the age of the subject.
authors.affiliation: Department of Odontostomatological Clinic, School of Dentistry, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio delta 6 CAP 67100 L'Aquila, Italy. annalisamonaco@yahoo.it
authors.forename: Annalisa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Monaco
authors.forename: Oriana
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Streni
authors.forename: Maria Chiara
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Marci
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Marzo
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gatto
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Giannoni
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005882:Gingival Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005890:Gingivectomy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D008437:Maxilla; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective; D012904:Smiling; D014078:Tooth Eruption; D014716:Vertical Dimension