Using a 3D printed shell to reduce excessive gum display

Management of Excess Gingival Display Using Tunnel Technique With 3D Designed PEEK Shell: A Case Series

NA · Cairo University · NCT06017791

This study is testing a new 3D printed shell to see if it can help people with excessive gum display smile better compared to traditional surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorCairo University (other)
Locations1 site (Cairo)
Trial IDNCT06017791 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a tunnel technique that utilizes a 3D printed PEEK shell to address excessive gingival display (EGD) caused by a lack of lip support due to maxillary overgrowth. The intervention aims to fill the skeletal subnasal depression, which contributes to upper lip retraction during smiling. By comparing this method to traditional lip repositioning surgery, the study seeks to determine the stability and outcomes of this novel approach. Participants will undergo a thorough evaluation to ensure they meet specific cephalometric criteria related to their condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 20-60 with excessive gingival display of 2.5mm or more and an exaggerated subnasal concavity.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, lactating, smokers, diabetics, or have parafunctional habits may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a more effective solution for patients suffering from excessive gingival display, improving their aesthetic appearance and confidence.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been limited studies on similar techniques, this specific approach using a 3D printed PEEK shell is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with excess gingival display 2.5mm or more
* Patients with an exaggerated subnasal concavity
* Decreased/normal value of SNA ( angle between sella, nation, A point) in cephalometric measurement
* Decreased/normal cephalometric measurement of A to N-perpendicular (perpendicular from N on FHP)
* Decreased/normal value in cephalometric measurement of the convexity at point A (linear measurement from point A to facial plane)
* Decreased/normal value of Ricketts Esthetic plane in cephalometric measurement
* Decreased/normal value of Holdaway H-angle in cephalometric measurement
* Nasolabial angle range from 100° to 120°
* Patients 20-60 years old
* Medically free
* Compliant patient that agrees to the follow up period

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant and lactating females
* Smokers
* Diabetics
* Patients with parafunctional habits that may affect the outcome of the procedure
* Medically compromised patients

Where this trial is running

Cairo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Excessive Gingival Display

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.