What is Vertical Maxillary Excess (VME) associated with clinically?

Vertical Maxillary Excess (VME) is a condition characterized by an excessive vertical growth or elongation of the maxilla. Clinically, it is most commonly associated with gingival display, also known as "gummy smile." Individuals with VME often exhibit an increase in the distance between the maxillary incisal edges and the lower lip during smiling. This results in an overly visible amount of gingiva, which can affect the aesthetic appearance of the smile.

The presence of gingival display is significant in VME because the vertical position of the maxilla influences how much of the gums are visible when a person smiles. As the maxilla elongates vertically, the relationship between the teeth and the lips changes, leading to this aesthetic concern.

Understanding the association of VME with gingival display is crucial in both diagnosis and treatment planning, as management of gingival esthetics is often a primary goal for patients presenting with this condition.