Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery
Esthetic Crown Lengthening
Sculpts excess gum tissue to eliminate a 'gummy' smile and reveal more of your natural teeth, creating a balanced, confident look.
Overview
Reveal the smile hiding under your gums
A "gummy" smile is when more gum tissue shows than you would like, or when teeth look short or uneven because they are partly covered by gum. It is very common and often caused by how the gums and bone developed.
Esthetic crown lengthening precisely reshapes the gum tissue, and when needed the underlying bone, to reveal more of your natural teeth. The result is a more balanced gumline and teeth with natural proportions.
This treatment may help if you have:
- A "gummy" smile
- Teeth that look short
- An uneven gumline
- Preparing for veneers or crowns
The Process
What to expect, step by step
- 01
Smile consultation
We assess your smile, gum levels, tooth proportions and bone, and discuss your goals.
- 02
Smile planning
We plan the new gumline, often together with your cosmetic dentist.
- 03
Gum reshaping
Under local anesthesia, gum tissue and, if needed, bone are precisely reshaped.
- 04
Healing
The gums settle over the following weeks to reveal your new, balanced smile.
Benefits
What esthetic crown lengthening offers
Natural proportions
Teeth that look the right length and width for your face and smile.
An even gumline
Gum heights are balanced so your smile looks symmetrical.
A great base for veneers
Ideal gum contours help cosmetic restorations look their best.
Real Results
From our patient cases
Gummy Smile → Crown Lengthening. Every case is different, and we will show you what results are realistic for you at your consultation.
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BEFORE
AFTER Esthetic Crown Lengthening: your questions, answered
General information to help you prepare. Your periodontist will recommend treatment based on your exam.
Esthetic crown lengthening reshapes excess gum tissue, and sometimes bone, to reveal more of the natural teeth. It is commonly used to correct a gummy smile.
A gummy smile can be caused by excess gum tissue, the way teeth erupted, or the position of the jawbone and lip. A consultation identifies the cause and the most suitable treatment.
Good candidates have healthy gums and teeth that appear short because they are covered by excess tissue. A smile evaluation determines whether gum reshaping is the right approach.
When bone is reshaped as part of the procedure, the new gumline is generally stable long term. Results are planned to create lasting, natural proportions.
Esthetic crown lengthening is performed under local anaesthesia, so patients remain comfortable. Mild tenderness for a few days afterward is common.
Most patients return to work within one to two days. The gums continue to settle over the following weeks, revealing the final result.
Some improvement is visible immediately, and the final appearance becomes clear as the gums heal over several weeks.
Yes, gum reshaping is often performed before veneers or crowns to create ideal proportions. This helps cosmetic restorations look natural and balanced.
Some patients notice mild, temporary sensitivity as the gums heal. This usually resolves within a few weeks.
Costs depend on the number of teeth treated and whether bone reshaping is required. A smile consultation provides a personalized plan and a detailed cost estimate.
Not sure which treatment you need?
Schedule a consultation and we'll create a personalized plan — including financing options — for your smile.