Intruding upper incisors using mini-screw anchorage in patients with gummy smile

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of mini-screw anchorage on intruding upper incisors in patients with gummy smile.

Methods: Sixteen female patients (mean age: 23.8 years) were involved in this study. The mini-screws were placed between upper lateral incisors and canines on both sides for intruding upper incisors together with fixed appliance. The cephalometric analysis was carried out.

Results: Totally 63 teeth in 16 patients were intruded successfully and the deep overbite was decreased by (2.74 +/- 2.00) mm (P < 0.001). The distance from the edge of the upper incisor to palatal plane was reduced by (5.00 +/- 2.76) mm (P < 0.001), and the incisors were proclined by (9.34 +/- 10.06) degrees (P < 0.01). The duration for intrusion was 10.8 months on average.

Conclusions: It was practicable and effective to improve gummy smile by intruding upper incisors with mini-screw implant.