Sometimes orthodontic appliances interfere with proper brushing and flossing, and the resulting accumulation of bacteria stimulates gum overgrowth. This often makes the teeth appear short and stubby. Note the picture below.

Cosmetic crown lengthening recontours the gums and bone, resulting in a better balance between teeth and gums and an improved smile. The photo below shows what the smile looks like after a crown lengthening procedure has been performed.

Gum overgrowth may occur for other reasons besides just orthodontic appliances. Many people naturally just have smiles in which the teeth are covered with excessive gum tissue. In cases like this, the teeth may appear short when they are actually of normal size because much of the tooth structure is covered with gum tissue. A cosmetic crown lengthening procedure may correct this issue.

A clinical crown lengthening procedure is one that is designed to expose more of a tooth’s structure so that restorative work such as crowns, bridges, or veneers will be structurally sound and esthetically pleasing. Clinical crown lengthening helps the restorative dentist save teeth that might otherwise be lost because of decay or fracture. It can also help the restorative dentist create restorations that look as good as they feel and function.

Dr. Joseph Nemeth is a periodontist located in Metro Detroit and performs crown lengthening procedures as well as many other periodontal cosmetic surgery. Below are some photos of crown lengthening procedures performed at Joseph R. Nemeth DDS & Associates.

If you have questions about cosmetic periodontal procedures, please contact Joseph R. Nemeth DDS & Associate at248-357-3100. You may also be interested in visiting this page on crown lengthening for uneven gums.