Medically reviewed by Dr. Klea (Chariklia) Neophytou Lead Specialist Periodontist, Implant Surgeon & Clinical Researcher
A “gummy smile,” clinically known as Excessive Gingival Display (EGD), often impacts a patient’s self-confidence and desire to smile. In this definitive 2026 case report, Dr. Klea (Chariklia) Neophytou demonstrates how an interdisciplinary approach, powered by 3D digital planning, provides predictable and stable aesthetic outcomes.
Figure 1: Clinical and radiographic examination
Effective treatment begins with identifying the true etiology of the smile line. For this 22-year-old patient, the primary cause was Altered Passive Eruption (APE) Type 1B.
Diagnosis involved a comprehensive clinical and radiographic assessment. As seen in the clinical evaluation (Figure 1), the patient presented with short clinical crowns and a thick periodontal phenotype.
Fig 2. Smile Design
Fig 3. Diagnosis ->
Figure 4: Our double guide 3D-printed surgical guide
Traditionally, crown lengthening relied on the clinician’s manual estimation. In 2026, we utilize the Double-Guide Concept—a 3D-printed surgical paradigm that guides both soft and hard tissue repositioning (Figure 6).
Figure 5: Our double guide 3D-printed surgical guide
As outlined in our clinical protocols (Figure 4 & 5), digital guides offer the “best fit” and the quickest surgical time while ensuring the preservation of the Biologic Width—the critical 2mm zone of tissue attachment essential for long-term health.
Fig 6. Advantages and Disadvantages
Fig. 7 Digital Guide ->
The surgery was conducted using a minimally invasive approach, often incorporating Erbium laser-assisted technology to target diseased tissue with extreme precision.
Step-by-Step Surgical Execution
Fig. 8 & 9
Fig. 11
<- Fig 10
Medically Verified Periodontal Insights
| The Myth | The Clinical Reality |
|---|---|
|
Common Misconception
"A gummy smile can only be fixed with aggressive jaw surgery."
|
False Most cases, like the one presented here, are successfully corrected via Esthetic Crown Lengthening—a minimally invasive procedure that reveals the natural tooth structure already hidden beneath the gums. |
|
Common Misconception
"The gums will just grow back after surgery."
|
False By using a Double Surgical Guide to precisely manage the bone level, Dr. Klea ensures the biologic width is respected. This prevents the "soft tissue rebound" that occurs with traditional, non-guided methods. |
|
Common Misconception
"Periodontal surgery involves painful cutting and extensive stitches."
|
False Through the use of the Erbium Laser and digitally guided protocols, tissue trauma is significantly reduced. This results in minimal suturing, less bleeding, and dramatically faster healing times compared to conventional scalpel surgery. |
At the one-year recall (Figure 12), the patient exhibited excellent gingival architecture and a harmonious smile line. This result confirms that integrating Digital Smile Design with biologically driven Periodontal Surgery leads to superior, lasting stability.
You do not have to live with a smile that makes you feel self-conscious or holds back your natural expressions.
At Dentall Clinic, our investment in 3D-printed double guides, digital biometric mockups, and advanced erbium laser technology reflects our commitment to bringing elite, international standards of clinical care to Cyprus. By pairing the specialized knowledge of our periodontal team with computerized precision, we turn complex tissue recontouring into a comfortable, predictable, and highly artistic transformation.
Schedule a Digital Smile Consultation: If you are ready to reveal the natural beauty of your teeth and explore personalized options for advanced cosmetic dentistry care, contact our practice today. Discover how Dr. Klea (Chariklia) Neophytou combines extensive clinical research with digital innovation to deliver flawless results. To learn more about our complete patient-first approach to stress-free appointments, feel free to view our advanced methods for painless dental injections in Limassol.
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