Do your teeth look short in photos—or does your gumline draw attention away from your smile? Crown lengthening reshapes the gums (and sometimes a small amount of bone) to reveal more natural tooth structure for aesthetic balance or to prepare a tooth for functional restorations.
Aesthetic vs. Functional Crown Lengthening
- Aesthetic (gummy-smile) crown lengthening: Refines the gumline to show more tooth and create symmetry across front teeth.
- Functional crown lengthening: Exposes sound tooth structure so a crown or filling can properly fit and seal when a tooth is broken or decayed near the gumline.
Who’s a Good Candidate?
- Teeth that appear short or square due to excess gingival display
- Uneven gumlines creating asymmetry
- Fractured or decayed teeth at or below the gumline that need a crown
- Healthy periodontal support with stable hygiene habits
How the Procedure Helps
- Reveals more tooth for a longer, more proportionate smile
- Creates room for restorations to seal correctly
- Improves symmetry and smile line harmony
- Supports long-term periodontal health when paired with good home care
What Happens During Treatment
After a thorough exam and measurements, the area is numbed. The gumline is contoured to the planned height; for functional cases a tiny amount of bone may be reshaped to establish a healthy biologic width. Sutures help guide ideal healing and gum position.
Recovery & Care
- Follow instructions for gentle brushing around the site
- Use prescribed rinses as directed
- Avoid trauma (e.g., hard crusty foods) to the surgical area as it heals
- Return for suture removal and re-evaluation
FAQs
Is crown lengthening the same as gingivectomy?
They’re related. A gingivectomy removes excess gum tissue; crown lengthening may also adjust the underlying bone to create lasting space.
Will my teeth be sensitive?
Temporary sensitivity is possible as more of the tooth is exposed. It typically improves as gums settle and any final restorations are placed.
Can it fix a gummy smile across all front teeth?
Yes—an aesthetic plan can contour multiple teeth to create a balanced smile arc.
Want a more balanced smile—or need space for a strong, long-lasting crown? Contact Connect Periodontics and Implant Dentistry about aesthetic and functional crown lengthening.