What Is Esthetic Crown Lengthening?
Esthetic crown lengthening is a procedure that reshapes the gumline to improve the proportions of your teeth and overall smile.
It’s often recommended to:
- Reduce a “gummy smile.”
- Even out uneven gum levels
- Create better symmetry and balance
A More Thoughtful Approach
Creating a natural-looking result isn’t just about removing gum tissue. The shape and position of your gums are influenced by the underlying bone.
If only the gum tissue is adjusted, the gums can gradually return to their original position over time.
That’s why, when needed, we carefully adjust both the gum tissue and the supporting bone — ensuring the result is stable, predictable, and long-lasting.
Precision Planning with 3D Imaging
We plan treatment using a combination of:
- Digital intraoral scans
- 3D CBCT imaging
By overlaying these, we can:
- See exactly where the bone sits beneath the gums
- Determine the ideal gum position
- Plan precisely how much tissue (and bone, if needed) should be adjusted
This allows us to create a result that looks natural — not overdone.
Minimally Invasive Gum Contouring
In many cases, we use laser technology to reshape the gum tissue. This allows for:
- High precision
- Reduced bleeding
- Faster healing
When bone adjustment is needed, it is done carefully and conservatively as part of the overall plan.
What to Expect
Treatment is typically straightforward and performed with comfort-focused techniques. Most patients experience:
- Minimal discomfort
- Quick recovery
- Noticeable improvement in smile balance
Our goal is to make the process as smooth and predictable as possible.
Schedule a Consultation
If you feel your smile looks too “gummy” or uneven, we can help create a more balanced, natural result.
Schedule a consultation to learn more.
FAQ SECTION
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a “gummy smile”?
A gummy smile occurs when too much gum tissue shows when you smile, making teeth appear shorter than they are.
Why can’t you just remove the gum tissue?
Because the position of the gums is influenced by the underlying bone.
If the bone isn’t adjusted when needed, the gums can return to their original position. That’s why we carefully plan both the gum and bone levels to create a stable, long-term result.
Will the bone always need to be adjusted?
Not always. In some cases, only the gum tissue needs to be reshaped. We determine this using imaging and a detailed evaluation.
Is crown lengthening painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort.
We use gentle techniques, including laser contouring and comfort-focused care, to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.
Why use a CBCT scan for this procedure?
A CBCT allows us to see the exact position of the bone beneath the gums. This helps us plan precisely and avoid removing too much or too little tissue.
What does the intraoral scan do?
The intraoral scan creates a detailed digital model of your teeth and gums. When combined with CBCT imaging, it allows for highly accurate treatment planning.
How long does it take to heal?
Healing is typically quick, especially with laser contouring.
Most patients return to normal activities within a few days.
Will my results look natural?
Yes — our goal is to create a balanced, natural-looking smile that fits your facial features and tooth proportions.
Is this procedure only cosmetic?
Not always. Crown lengthening can also be used to expose more tooth structure for restorative procedures when needed.
Are the results permanent?
When properly planned and performed, results are long-lasting.
Maintaining good oral hygiene helps preserve your outcome.