Orthodontic correction of a skeletal Class II malocclusion with severe gummy smile by total intrusion of the maxillary dentition

A 22-year-old woman visited the hospital complaining of lip protrusion, crowded teeth, and a gummy smile. The clinical examination showed a convex profile with a hyperdivergent mandible and a severe gummy smile in both anterior and posterior regions. The unstable mandible position was considered during treatment planning, and a targeted mechanic system was carefully designed. Temporary skeletal anchorage devices in the posterior dental region and a transpalatal arch were introduced as anchorage for the intrusion of the entire maxillary dentition and controlled retraction of the anterior teeth. Based on effective and simple mechanisms, we successfully eliminated the severe gummy smile and improved the facial aesthetics with the aid of conventional appliances. This approach provided an alternative option to orthognathic surgery or bulky invasive miniscrews for treatment of skeletal Class II malocclusion with severe gummy smile.