A new method for correcting a gummy smile.

Myectomy and partial resection of the levator labii superioris promises a far better and direct approach to the problem of upper gum exposure during smiling. This procedure attempts to eliminate the cause of the deformity. The resected muscles are of the striated muscle group and are composed of single muscle fibers running the entire length of the trunk. Adequate resection of these muscles will thoroughly eliminate the regeneration of muscle, and thus a permanent correction is achieved. The resulting smile is very attractive and pleasing to both patient and surgeon.