Understanding Protruding Mouth Correction (ASO)
The medical term for a protruding mouth is dentoalveolar protrusion, meaning the gum bone protrudes forward. Cases where the gums appear to protrude can be divided into those where the alveolar bone itself protrudes forward, and those where excessive movement of the upper lip when smiling exposes the gums. Some people feel that a protruding mouth can be misread by others as looking dissatisfied or angry, even when that doesn't reflect their actual feelings.
This article summarizes how protruding mouth correction surgery (ASO) is performed and how gummy smile is corrected. You can find our treatment background on the About the Doctor page.
How can I self-check for a protruding mouth?
It is explained that if you place a ruler against the tip of the nose and the tip of the chin, and the lips touch the ruler first, this can be considered a sign of a protruding mouth. However, this is only a reference guideline, and an accurate diagnosis should be made through an examination by a specialist.
What kind of surgery is protruding mouth correction (ASO)?
Protruding mouth correction surgery is called ASO (anterior segmental osteotomy), or anterior segmental osteotomy in Korean terminology, and involves dividing the front portion of the jaw and repositioning it backward. Using the space created by removing four teeth in the upper and lower jaws, the necessary amount of bone is removed, and the protruding teeth and gums are moved backward together at the same time.
How is alveolar bone correction performed?
After extracting the left and right teeth, the bone—including the anterior alveolar bone—is cut, pushed backward, and fixed in place. The extent and plan of surgery vary depending on each individual's bone condition, so a precise diagnosis must come first.
Do buck teeth also require protruding mouth surgery?
For buck teeth, where only the direction of the teeth is tilted forward, orthodontic treatment is generally more suitable than surgery. Because the appropriate treatment direction depends on whether the issue is with the bone or with the direction of the teeth, it is best to determine through consultation whether surgery or orthodontic treatment is more appropriate.
How is a gummy smile (excessive gum exposure when smiling) corrected?
A gummy smile is often caused by excessive movement of the upper lip. It is considered normal for about 1–2mm of gum to show when smiling; correction is considered if more than this is exposed. Correction methods include surgery to cut the muscles that raise the lip through an incision inside the mouth, and injection therapy using Botox to weaken those muscles. The results and duration of each method vary by individual.
Protruding mouth surgery is a procedure with many individual considerations, including anesthesia, recovery period, and the extent of surgery, so if you have any questions, please reach out via Book a Consultation.
Consultation Information
Kim Jongseo Plastic Surgery (Apgujeong, Seoul) · 2F Apgujeong Building, 842 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · 02-3416-0070 (after hours 070-4027-0070) · Book a Consultation
This article is provided for informational purposes only, and the effects and recovery period of any surgery or procedure may vary by individual. All medical procedures carry a possibility of side effects, so please consult thoroughly with a specialist.
Procedure Detail Materials
Below are procedure guide materials from the previous website (surgery.co.kr). Before-and-after results may vary by individual, and all medical procedures carry a possibility of side effects.
