Esthetic Crown Lengthening:

If your teeth appear short, then you may not be able to see the "true" length of the tooth.  With this the teeth appear very short. You may have a "gummy smile" (excess gum is seen when you smile).The teeth may be covered up with too much gum and bone tissue. We can correct this by performing esthetic crown lengthening.

Facial Enhancement with Laser Esthetic Crown Lengthening.

PreTreatment: Short stubby teeth make the face appear fuller just like horizontal stripes on a shirt.

PostTreatment: Longer Teeth accentuate the face. Longer teeth make the face look longer which makes one look thinner  just like vertical stripes on  a shirt.

 See this and other treatment examples.

Esthetic Crown Lengthening without Restorations:

 is used to enhance the beauty of your smile. Sometimes this can be accomplished without restorations (crowns or veneers) by uncovering enamel hidden by excess gum and bone tissue (see above example or others). This procedure is commonly used in the patient who is about to or has finished orthodontics (braces).

Laser Esthetic Crown Lengthening Case Example (No veneers or crowns)

Pre-Treatment "Gummy Smile"	Post-Treatment "Esthetic Smile"

See this and other treatment examples.

Esthteic Crown Lengthening with Restorations (Veneers, Crowns, and/ or Bridges)

In cases where teeth are worn or fractured, restorations may be needed (Case Example??). This procedure takes approximately one to two hours and dramatically improves the attractiveness of your smile. (link to esthetic crown lengthening under cosmetic section). When doing esthetic crown lengthening and restorations are planned. We may also do functional crown lengthening to help access a fracture, crack, or tooth decay. We may also use functional crown lengthening to help the crowns stay on the teeth.

Laser Esthetic Crown Lengthening Case Example (with Veneers, Crowns, and Bridges)

Pre-Treatment "Gummy Smile" Old Crowns and Bridges	Post-Treatment "Esthetic Smile" New Veneers, Crowns, and Bridges

 See this and other treatment examples.

What are Esthetic Crown Lengthening procedures like? 

These procedures are commonly completed with a VersaWave Laser to decrease discomfort and speed healing. During this procedure, excess gum and bone tissue are reshaped to uncover the hidden enamel of the natural tooth. This procedure does not create recession or future periodontal problems. It only removes the excess tissue. It leaves plenty of tissue behind to support the teeth and smile. This can be done to more than one tooth, to balance your gum line, and to create a beautiful smile.

These procedure takes approximately one to two hours. With both esthetic and functional crown lengthening, dissolvable sutures and a protective bandage may be placed to help secure the new gum-to-tooth relationship.  You will have a follow up appointment in 2 -3 weeks to remove any remaining sutures and evaluate your healing. If you are having a restoration (crown or bridge) fabricated, usually it can be placed 4 - 8 weeks after the procedure.

If needed sedation can be used to keep you comfortable and relaxed

See our treatment example section for more before and after case examples.