Esthetic Crown Lengthening / Gum Contouring
Schedule an AppointmentRevealing a Balanced, Confident Smile
Sometimes a beautiful smile is just beneath the surface—literally. If your teeth appear short, uneven, or hidden by excess gums, you may be a great candidate for esthetic crown lengthening. This safe and effective periodontal procedure reshapes the gumline to create a more balanced, proportionate appearance, allowing more of your natural tooth structure to show.
At Park Cities Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, our board-certified periodontists specialize in esthetic crown lengthening and gum recontouring to help patients achieve a more harmonious smile. Whether you are preparing for cosmetic dental treatment or simply want to improve the symmetry of your smile, we are here to help you achieve lasting, natural-looking results with expert care and a treatment plan designed just for you.
What Is Esthetic Crown Lengthening?
Esthetic crown lengthening is a minor periodontal procedure that adjusts the height and shape of the gumline to expose more of your tooth. In some cases, a small amount of bone around the tooth is also gently recontoured to ensure the gum stays at its new level long-term.
By carefully reshaping the gum tissue, your periodontist can enhance the symmetry, proportions, and overall appearance of your smile.
This procedure is commonly recommended for people who have:
- A “gummy” smile – where too much gum tissue shows when you smile
- Uneven gumlines – where the gum levels are not symmetrical from tooth to tooth
- Short-looking teeth – even if the teeth themselves are normal in size
- A history of tooth wear, dental crowns, or veneers that has left your smile unbalanced
- Gum overgrowth due to inflammation, plaque, or certain medications
What is the Difference Between Esthetic Crown Lengthening and Gum Contouring?
Gum recontouring (also known as a gingivectomy) refers to reshaping just the soft tissue around the teeth, without modification to the underlying bone. It is typically used when excess gum tissue has developed due to inflammation, plaque buildup, or medications.
Esthetic crown lengthening, on the other hand, often combines gum recontouring with gentle reshaping of the bone underneath. This ensures that the gum tissue has a healthy foundation and remains in the correct position over time. Our periodontists will use advanced imaging and measurements to determine whether your case requires bone modification or soft tissue reshaping alone.
Schedule an AppointmentWhat Are the Benefits?
Esthetic crown lengthening offers both cosmetic and functional benefits:
Provides a more symmetrical gumline, especially in the front teeth
Boosts self-confidence in social and professional settings
Helps with restorative or cosmetic procedures, like veneers or crowns, by ensuring proper tooth exposure
Improves oral hygiene access, reducing areas where plaque can build up underneath overgrown or uneven gums
What to Expect During the Procedure
Before any treatment, you will come in for a comprehensive consultation, which includes a detailed exam and 3D imaging (CBCT scan) to assess the position of your gum and bone tissue. This allows us to create a personalized plan that achieves the best esthetic result with the least amount of intervention.
The procedure can be done on one tooth, multiple teeth, or the entire upper or lower arch, depending on your goals. Many patients are surprised by how quick and comfortable the process is—and how dramatically it enhances their smile.
Schedule an Appointment1
Comfort First
On the day of the procedure, we use local anesthesia to keep you completely comfortable, and many patients choose IV sedation to relax more deeply throughout the visit.
2
Precise Reshaping
Once you are numb, we gently reshape the gum tissue and, if needed, remove a small amount of bone to create the proper ratio and maintain long-term results.
3
Gentle Closure
The gums are then carefully repositioned and sutured in place.
4
Supportive Recovery
We will send you home with detailed post-op instructions and a follow-up schedule to monitor healing and ensure smooth recovery.
FAQs
How long does recovery take after esthetic crown lengthening?
You will be able to return to your normal routine quickly and may find recovery more comfortable than you expected. Post-procedure swelling typically settles within a short time. Your gum tissue will continue to refine and settle into its new shape over the following weeks, and you will gradually see your final result. You will go home with a folder that has all of the information you need during the recovery process. Our team is always accessible for support and answers to questions.
Does esthetic crown lengthening hurt?
Comfort is one of our highest priorities, and this procedure is manageable. Because of the local anesthesia, the procedure itself will be painless. Soreness afterward is typically mild and short-lived. We will explain in more detail what to expect before your visit and give you more personalized aftercare guidance. If you have concerns about comfort, we will be happy to review your anesthesia options and help you choose what is right for you.
Will my gums grow back after gum contouring?
When esthetic crown lengthening includes reshaping of the underlying bone, the results are stable and long-lasting. Reshaping soft tissue alone can occasionally allow some regrowth. Our periodontists carefully evaluate whether bone contouring is needed to maintain your gumline in its new position. Daily home care and regular dental hygiene visits also help protect your results.
What is the difference between esthetic and functional crown lengthening?
Both procedures reshape the gum and sometimes bone, but their goals are different. Esthetic crown lengthening is focused on the beauty and symmetry of your smile. We perform functional crown lengthening for dental health reasons, such as exposing more tooth so a restoration like a crown or filling can fit properly. In some situations, these goals will overlap, and your periodontist will design a plan that supports both the health and appearance of your smile.
Can esthetic crown lengthening be combined with veneers or cosmetic dental work?
This procedure can be planned alongside cosmetic dental work. When this is the case, we work closely with your general dentist or restorative doctor to coordinate the timing of each step so your veneers or other cosmetic work fit with your balanced gumline. Our comprehensive care model helps to keep all medical professionals involved in your care on the same page, so your treatment plan is cohesive.
Does dental insurance cover esthetic crown lengthening?
Coverage varies depending on your individual plan and whether the procedure is considered purely cosmetic or medically necessary. Cosmetic treatments are typically not covered, while some coverage may be available in functional situations. You can reach out to your insurance provider to review all of your benefits, and we will help you understand your responsibilities before you proceed so you know what to expect. You can explore our financial options to learn more about the ways we make treatment accessible. Reach out to us with any questions, and we will be happy to help.
Ready to Love Your Smile?
Esthetic crown lengthening is a conservative approach that can meaningfully improve how your smile looks and feels. If you have been told you have a gummy smile, or if you are looking to improve the symmetry of your teeth and gums before cosmetic dental work, we are here to help.
Call Park Cities Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at 214-522-9700 to schedule your consultation. We will walk you through every step and make sure you feel confident, informed, and cared for throughout your treatment.
Park Cities Periodontics And Implant Dentistry
Phone: (214) 522-9700
Fax: (214) 522-8181
Address: Preston Commons, East Tower