Causes of a gummy smile - Abnormal tooth eruption - Altered active eruption - Altered passive eruption - Upper jaw protrusion - Hyperactive upper lip

Advantages of a gum lift - Improves aesthetics of anterior teeth - Requires minimal removal of soft tissue - Does not compromise the periodontal structures - Can correct uneven gingival zeniths - Can lengthen clinical crown height

Disadvantages of a gum lift - Morphological characteristics influence smile restoration - Bony defects may not be correctable - Fragile gingiva can pose challenges - Healing problems if base of the pocket is apical to the mucogingival junction - Not necessary if patient is not affected by aesthetics

Techniques for gum lift - Gingivectomy by electrosurgery - Surgical gingivectomy - Laser gingivectomy - Surgery vs laser comparison - Different types of lasers used (Nd:YAG, diode)

Additional information on gum lift procedures - Surgical Crown Lengthening - Gingivectomy - Electrosurgery - Laser Dentistry - Additional Resources (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, articles on patients smile at getting long in the tooth)