Perfecting Your Smile: Achieve a Balanced Gum Line with Crown Lengthening!

Gummy Smiles Aren’t as Sweet as Gummy Bears: Explore Solutions with Crown Lengthening

Gummy Smile Affecting Confidence? Try Crown Lengthening!

We have the perfect solution for you! Aesthetic crown lengthening can address your gummy smile effectively.

In crown lengthening, Dr. Adatrow adjusts the gum and bone levels to reveal more of the tooth, making it easier to treat or restore. During this process, excess gum and bone tissue are reshaped to uncover more of your natural teeth. Aesthetic crown lengthening is specifically performed to correct a gummy smile, while functional crown lengthening is done for other purposes. Depending on your needs, crown lengthening can be performed on a single tooth or multiple teeth.

Before/After Gum Contouring Treatment

Esthetic Crown Lengthening Treatment

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Frequently Asked Questions on Esthetic Crown Lengthening

What is a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile, or excessive gingival show, is when the gums appear prominently, making the teeth look smaller. This can be due to disproportionate gums, teeth, or jaws, or a hypermobile upper lip. Gummy smiles are often caused by genetics but can also result from certain medications.

Causes of a Gummy Smile

  1. Genetics
  2. Physiology
  3. Medications
  4. Poor oral hygiene
  5. Orthodontic braces
  6. Upper lip muscle hyperactivity
  7. Irregular eruption of permanent teeth
  8. Upper jawbone growth

How Can My Gummy Smile Be Corrected?

Transform your gummy smile with one of these procedures:

  1. Gingivectomy
  2. Crown lengthening
  3. Orthognathic surgery
  4. Lip repositioning
  5. Botox

What is Gingival (Gum) Contouring?

Gum contouring or gum reshaping is a cosmetic procedure that alters the shape of your gums. This procedure, also known as gingivectomy, involves removing excess gum tissue to address a gummy smile or restore receded gum tissue.

What is a Gingivectomy?

Gingivectomy or gingivoplasty involves removing excess gum tissue to eliminate periodontal pockets or improve visibility of teeth. This technique, also referred to as esthetic crown lengthening, is used when thick tissue makes tooth movement challenging with braces.

What is Gum?

Gum, or gingiva, is the pink-colored soft tissue surrounding your teeth, helping to hold them in place.

How are Genetics Related to Gummy Smiles?

Genetics play a crucial role in causing a gummy smile, which may involve a combination of large jaws and small teeth. In rare cases, it can be caused by hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF), leading to extreme gingival enlargement.

Why Was I Recommended Gum Contouring?

If you have an excessive show of gums while smiling, Dr. Adatrow may recommend gum contouring to address this condition, known as prolonged gingival exposure.

Can I Undergo Sedation for Crown Lengthening Treatment?

Yes, if you’re anxious about the procedure, sedation might be a good option. Discuss your concerns with Dr. Adatrow during your initial visit.

What is the Difference Between Gum Contouring and Esthetic Crown Lengthening?

There is no difference; gum contouring and esthetic crown lengthening are the same procedure.

What is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening adjusts the gum and bone levels to reveal more of the tooth for treatment or restoration. Excess gum and bone tissue are reshaped to expose more natural teeth.

What Are the Types of Dental Crown Lengthening?

  1. Esthetic Crown Lengthening: Corrects a gummy smile by uncovering more of the tooth.
  2. Functional Crown Lengthening: Used to expose more tooth structure for support in cases like broken teeth or reconstructive needs.

What Measures Will Be Taken Before the Gum Reshaping Procedure?

Before crown lengthening, our dental team will review your medical history, take X-rays (radiographs), and consider any medications you are taking. An impression may also be recorded for a temporary crown.

How is Gum Contouring Performed?

During the crown lengthening procedure, Dr. Adatrow removes gum tissue to reveal the roots and bones, adjusting the bone level. The area is cleaned with saltwater and sutured, often with a bandage for protection. The procedure is done under local anesthesia.

Do Medicines Cause Gummy Smiles?

Certain prescription medicines can lead to gingival enlargements, resulting in a gummy smile. These include heart disease drugs, anti-epilepsy medicines, and immunosuppressants.

How Does Botox Treat Gummy Smiles?

Botox is a non-invasive option that temporarily paralyzes the elevator muscles, reducing the upper lip's rise. It’s a shorter-term solution, lasting about three to four months, and can be used to assess potential outcomes of other treatments.

Can Gum Reshaping Be Performed with a Laser?

Yes, gum contouring can be done with a laser, offering a minimally invasive solution with less irritation, swelling, and bleeding compared to traditional methods.

Is Gum Contouring Long-Lasting?

Yes, gum contouring is long-lasting, as Dr. Adatrow reshapes the bone just below the gums, ensuring they remain in the treated position.