Do your gums show more than you’d like when you smile? A “gummy smile” can make otherwise beautiful teeth feel hidden. Fortunately, there are precise, modern ways to reveal more of your natural tooth—and to balance the smile line with your lips and facial features. At Connect Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we offer esthetic crown lengthening and collaborate with cosmetic partners for confident, natural results.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
- Excess gum coverage: The teeth are normal length but covered by extra gum tissue (altered passive eruption).
- Tooth wear: Shortened edges make the teeth look small relative to the gums.
- Lip dynamics: A hypermobile upper lip lifts higher, showing more gum.
- Jaw position: Vertical maxillary excess can increase gum display.
Esthetic Crown Lengthening: Reveal Your Natural Teeth
When teeth are the right size but hidden by gum, we gently reshape the gum—and, when necessary, the underlying bone—to establish a healthy biologic width at an esthetic level. The result is more visible enamel, a balanced gum scallop, and a smile that looks like you, just brighter.
Planning Your Case
We start with photos, measurements, and digital scans. We analyze tooth width-to-length ratios, lip mobility, and smile display. For many patients, treating several front teeth together creates a harmonious, symmetrical line. If edges are worn, we coordinate with your cosmetic dentist to restore natural length with bonding or veneers so gums and teeth look proportional.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
With local anesthesia (and optional sedation), treatment is comfortable. Expect mild tenderness and a soft-food diet for a few days. Stitches typically come out in about a week, and the gumline refines over the next several weeks. Most patients return to desk work the next day.
Functional Crown Lengthening (When Decay or Fracture Is the Issue)
If deep decay or a fracture sits below the gumline, we perform functional crown lengthening to expose enough healthy tooth for a durable crown. The goal is longevity: space for a cleanable margin and calm gums. We coordinate with your restorative dentist on timing and temporaries to keep your smile looking good during healing.
Adjunctive Options We May Discuss
- Orthodontics: When tooth position or bite contributes to gum display.
- Lip-related solutions: For hypermobile lips, your cosmetic dentist may discuss additional options after periodontal planning.
- Gum grafting: In select areas for tissue thickness and long-term stability.
Results You Can Expect
- More tooth showing for a brighter smile
- Even gumline that complements your facial features
- Improved confidence in photos and conversation
Why Choose Connect Periodontics & Implant Dentistry
We specialize in the gum-to-tooth interface. You’ll get precise planning, a calm experience, and close collaboration with your cosmetic dentist—so the final result looks effortless and lasts.
Ready to See More Smile and Less Gum?
Let’s design a balanced smile line. Call Connect Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at (310) 473-8770 or Contact Us to schedule an esthetic crown lengthening consult in Los Angeles.