When you look in the mirror, do you love what you see? Focus on that smile—what is it that you love and what is it that you don’t love quite so much? Besides the usual suspects, such as tooth discoloration or crooked teeth, one thing that we hear from patients is that they dislike their gummy smile.

A gummy smile is when you have an imbalance between the amount of tooth that shows compared to the amount of gum that shows when you flash those pearly whites. And for many, the perfect smile means showing a bit less gum and more healthy teeth. This is where a crown lengthening procedure can help. 

What is crown lengthening?

Both crown lengthening and gum contouring treatments are designed to help remove the appearance of excessive gingival display—aka too much gum. Crown lengthening involves a procedure to reshape the gum tissue and, in some cases, adjust the underlying bone to expose more of the tooth’s surface. 

This procedure is often performed when a tooth requires a dental crown or other restoration but doesn’t have enough visible structure above the gum line to support it. By removing small amounts of excess gum tissue, and sometimes bone, lengthening the crown allows more of the tooth to be visible, giving your dentist more to work with to properly fit the restoration. 

The treatment is relatively quick, typically taking less than an hour, and is a common way to help balance the appearance of a gummy smile while also preparing teeth for future dental work.

How Crown Lengthening Improves Your Smile

At Stephen J. Spencer, DDS, your dentist in Great Falls, MT, we understand the power of a smile, and we understand the very real health benefits that come when you freely share your smile. While there is nothing medically wrong with a gummy smile, some people believe it makes their teeth appear small or out of proportion. We want everyone to love their smile and to feel confident whether they are taking a group selfie or walking into a job interview.

Here are just some of the ways that lengthening a crown can improve your smile and give your confidence a boost. Crown lengthening:

• Creates a more balanced, proportional look: By reducing the appearance of a “gummy” smile, crown lengthening helps reveal more of your natural teeth, making your smile appear more symmetrical.
• Improves the appearance of short or uneven teeth: If your teeth seem shorter or uneven due to excess gum tissue, crown lengthening exposes more of your tooth surface, creating a more balanced smile.
• Prepares teeth for restorative treatments: In cases where a tooth requires a crown or filling but lacks sufficient structure above the gum line, crown lengthening provides the necessary space for a secure fit.
• Is quick and minimally invasive: Crown lengthening is considered a minor surgical procedure that usually takes less than an hour, and patients are typically comfortable throughout the process thanks to local anesthesia.

When Crown Lengthening Might Be the Right Dental Treatment for You

The benefits of crown lengthening are pretty clear. And the way we see it, when we can help you love your smile, it’s worth it. So, let’s recap the reasons why crown lengthening might be an appropriate cosmetic dentistry procedure for you and your smile. 

• You feel self-conscious about a gummy smile: If you’re unhappy with the amount of gum that shows when you smile, crown lengthening can reduce the appearance of excess gum tissue and reveal more of your teeth.
• You need more tooth structure for a crown or filling: If your dentist has recommended a crown or filling but there’s not enough visible tooth to support it, crown lengthening can create the space needed for proper placement.
• Your teeth appear too short: If your teeth look shorter than they should due to excess gum coverage, crown lengthening can expose more of the tooth, helping create a more proportional appearance.
• You have uneven gum lines: Crown lengthening can help correct irregular gum lines, making your teeth appear more symmetrical and balanced.
• You’re preparing for a smile makeover: As part of a comprehensive cosmetic treatment plan, crown lengthening can be a helpful step to achieve the overall look you’re aiming for.

Ready to fall in love with your smile? Schedule a crown lengthening consultation today.

If you don’t love the appearance of your smile because of that excess gingival display, it’s time to do something about it. And your dentist in Great Falls, MT, is here to tell you that the process is easy. All you need to do to get started is request a consultation.

During your visit, we’ll talk about your smile goals, assess your unique situation, and provide you with our recommended course of action. Whether it’s crown lengthening or another procedure, we’re here to make sure you love the results of your smile makeover. Contact us today.