A critical determinant of facial aesthetics is the smile, which depends on the harmonious interaction among the teeth, gingiva, and lips. A smile is considered “gummy” when gingival exposure exceeds 3 mm. Mini-implants for skeletal anchorage have become an effective non-surgical alternative to address excessive gingival display.

Aim

Aim was to describe a clinical case in which a gummy smile was corrected using intra-alveolar mini-implants as biomechanical anchors in the anterior region of the maxilla.

Material and methods

A 33-year-old female patient with a gummy smile and active lip seal underwent orthodontic treatment involving a passive self-ligating appliance and two intra-alveolar mini-implants placed between the maxillary lateral incisors and canines. After initial leveling and alignment with thermoactivated NiTi archwires, a 0.016×0.022" stainless steel archwire and power chains were used to achieve anterior intrusion. The intrusion was stabilized for three months prior to appliance removal.

Case report

Upon completion of intrusion, the gingival exposure decreased to below 3 mm, and the patient exhibited an improved smile arc and a more harmonious gingival display. Cephalometric analysis confirmed that the maxillary incisors were uprighted compared to their initial inclination.

Conclusions

This clinical case demonstrates that intra-alveolar mini-implants provide a predictable, efficient, and non-surgical method to correct a gummy smile. This approach allows precise anterior intrusion with minimal unintended tooth movements. (