Crown lengthening is a carefully planned procedure used to expose more of the natural tooth by reshaping the gum line and, in selected cases, the supporting bone. It can be carried out for cosmetic reasons, where excess gum display makes the teeth appear short or uneven, or for restorative reasons when more healthy tooth structure is needed to support a crown or another restoration.
A gummy smile is not a diagnosis in itself. Excessive gum display can relate to the amount or position of gum tissue, the way the teeth have erupted, tooth position, movement of the upper lip or the proportions of the jaws. Identifying the cause is therefore essential before treatment is recommended.
Where excess gum tissue is the main factor, crown lengthening can improve the balance between tooth and gum display. If the cause is primarily orthodontic, muscular or skeletal, a different treatment – or a combination of treatments – may be more appropriate.
The consultation considers the teeth, gum levels, smile line, bite, facial proportions and the reason for treatment. Where crown lengthening forms part of a cosmetic plan, the final tooth proportions and any proposed veneers, bonding or orthodontics should be considered before the gum is reshaped.
For restorative crown lengthening, the dentist also assesses whether enough healthy tooth structure can be exposed without compromising the supporting tissues or the long-term prognosis of the tooth.
1. Consultation and diagnosis – the teeth, gums, smile line and restorative requirements are assessed and the proposed result is discussed.
2. Local anaesthesia – the treatment area is numbed before the procedure begins.
3. Gum reshaping – excess gum tissue is carefully reshaped to expose the planned amount of tooth structure.
4. Bone reshaping where required – in some cases a small amount of supporting bone must also be adjusted to create a stable, healthy relationship between the tooth, bone and gum.
5. Repositioning and closure – the tissues are cleaned and repositioned. Sutures may be used where appropriate.
6. Healing and review – the area is reviewed as it heals before definitive cosmetic or restorative treatment is completed.
Some tenderness, swelling and sensitivity can occur after treatment. Patients are normally advised to keep the area clean, follow the prescribed oral-hygiene instructions and avoid hard or crunchy foods while the tissues are healing.
The final gum position becomes more predictable as healing progresses. Where a crown or veneer is planned afterwards, the dentist will advise when the tissues are sufficiently stable for the definitive restoration.
Crown lengthening can improve tooth proportions, provide a more balanced gum line and create access to healthy tooth structure for restoration. It can also make cleaning easier where excess tissue has made plaque control difficult.
It is a surgical procedure and is not suitable for every gummy smile. Treatment planning must account for gum health, bone levels, tooth roots, the bite and the overall aesthetic objective.
No. It can be used to improve a gummy smile, but it is also an important restorative procedure when additional healthy tooth structure needs to be exposed.
No. Excessive gum display can have several causes. Treatment may instead involve orthodontics, management of upper-lip movement or, in more complex skeletal cases, specialist treatment.
Initial healing occurs over the first few weeks, but gum tissues continue to mature afterwards. Your dentist will advise when the area is stable enough for any planned definitive restoration.
Yes. In selected smile-makeover cases, gum reshaping can be planned before veneers or composite bonding so that the final tooth proportions are more balanced.
Every smile is different, and understanding what you would like to change is the first step. Complete our short form and tell us a little about your concerns, goals or previous dental experiences. A friendly member of the Smile Solutions team will then contact you to discuss your options, answer your questions and help you decide what feels right for you, with no pressure to book.
