Gum contouring and crown lengthening are similar periodontal procedures used to adjust gum tissue. However, the procedure techniques differ and usually address distinct oral health or cosmetic issues.
Patients need a trusted dental partner to provide accurate and reliable information. The dental team at Atlanta Smiles gladly answers each patient’s questions to help you make informed treatment decisions.
What is the Difference Between Gum Contouring and Crown Lengthening?
Many dentists use these terms interchangeably. Also, much of the online information contradicts itself because of the confusion over the two terms. While both procedures impact gum tissue, gum contouring is less invasive than crown lengthening.
Gum Contouring
- Typically, a cosmetic procedure
- Removes gum tissue using laser technology
- Reshapes the gum line to adjust the tooth to gum ratio
- A minimally invasive procedure with a quick recovery
Crown Lengthening
- Used as a cosmetic and restorative procedure
- May include removal of gum tissue and bone
- Adjusts the gum line and tooth structure
- Surgical procedure with a more extensive recovery
The Atlanta Smiles dental team works with each patient to determine the best procedure to promote oral health and achieve cosmetic goals.
What is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring uses laser technology to correct disparities in gums’ color, texture, or thickness. Many people feel insecure about their gummy smiles. The goal with gum contouring is to even out the gum line and achieve a natural look.
Gum contouring empowers patients with a safe and effective way to create a beautiful and balanced smile. The procedure works as a standalone procedure or a smile makeover treatment plan.
What is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening reshapes gums to expose more of the tooth’s surface where the tooth connects to the gum line. The procedure may also adjust the tooth’s bone level to increase the height or size of the visible portion of the tooth. Dentists often recommend crown lengthening to provide more surface area to hold a dental restoration in place.
If a patient has tooth decay or damage below the gum line, the treatment plan may include crown lengthening to expose the affected part. The dentist can then access the area to complete the restorative dental procedure.
Can Crown Lengthening Repair a Gummy Smile?
Yes. For patients with an excessively gummy smile or short teeth, crown lengthening offers a more in-depth alternative to gum contouring. To achieve the desired gum-to-tooth ratio, some patients may require the removal of part of the tooth’s surface or bone structure.
In most cases, dentists recommend gum contouring because it offers a quicker recovery with less pain. However, we want each patient to experience the confidence of a beautiful smile. When needed, we recommend crown lengthening to produce the aesthetic results our patients desire if it also maintains or improves their overall oral health and wellness.
Read our post about Laser Gum Reshaping for other options on repairing a gummy smile!
Trusted Cosmetic and Restorative Dental Solutions
Atlanta Smiles believes everyone deserves a beautiful smile that builds confidence. Our expert cosmetic dentists recommend gum contouring or crown lengthening as part of a customized treatment plan to restore health and meet cosmetic goals. Contact us today to learn more about cosmetic periodontal procedures.
