[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.