Crown lengthening is a procedure used to remove periodontal (gum) tissue in order to expose more of the crown portion of a tooth. This may be done for cosmetic reasons to correct a "gummy" smile or to make room for a prosthetic crown to be placed over a damaged tooth.
If you are considering crown lengthening, you may also be interested in learning about alternative treatments.
Orthodontic Treatment
In some cases, orthodontic treatment can help reposition teeth to reduce the appearance of a gummy smile without surgery.
Lip Repositioning
For some patients with a gummy smile, lip repositioning surgery can limit how high the upper lip rises when smiling, reducing the amount of gum tissue that shows.
Consultation is Key
The best way to determine which treatment option is right for you is to schedule a consultation with a periodontist. They can evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment.