Aesthetic Crown Elongation
Burbank, CA A smile that reveals too much gum tissue, or one where the teeth appear short and disproportionate, can affect a person's confidence in ways that are difficult to overlook. For many patients, this concern has nothing to do with hygiene or dental health. It is simply a matter of anatomy. Aesthetic crown elongation is a well-established cosmetic procedure that gently reshapes the gumline to reveal more of the natural tooth surface, creating a more balanced and attractive smile. At Toomin & Bieber, Dr. Toomin and Dr. Bieber offer this treatment as part of a comprehensive approach to cosmetic care that is centered on each patient's unique goals and anatomy.What Is Aesthetic Crown Elongation?In this context, the word "crown" refers to the visible portion of a natural tooth, not a dental restoration. When the gum tissue covers more of that visible surface than it should, the teeth can look shorter or less defined, and the overall smile may take on a gummy or uneven appearance. Aesthetic crown elongation addresses this by carefully removing and recontouring the excess gum tissue to reveal a greater portion of each tooth. In some cases, a small amount of supporting bone is also gently adjusted to ensure the gumline heals into a stable and well-positioned result. The outcome is a smile where each tooth is properly framed by the surrounding tissue, and where the proportions between the teeth and gums feel balanced and natural. Why Teeth Can Appear Short or UnevenSeveral factors can cause teeth to look shorter or less defined than expected. One of the most common is a condition known as altered passive eruption, in which the gum tissue does not recede to its proper position after the adult teeth have fully emerged. This leaves a larger portion of the gum covering the crown of each tooth, creating a short or stubby appearance even when the underlying teeth are healthy and fully developed. In other cases, the position or movement of the upper lip during smiling exposes a greater amount of gum tissue, making the imbalance between gum height and tooth length more noticeable. Genetic factors are frequently the underlying cause, and most patients who experience this concern have had it since childhood. It has nothing to do with oral hygiene habits and is considered a normal anatomical variation that responds well to treatment. What to Expect During the ProcedureAesthetic crown elongation is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring each patient remains comfortable from start to finish. The procedure is typically completed in a single office visit. Once the area is numb, the dentist will make precise incisions to remove the excess gum tissue and reposition the gumline to its new location. When the bone level needs minor reshaping to support the new tissue contour and ensure long-term stability, that work is completed at the same appointment. The number of teeth being treated will influence how much time the procedure requires, but most patients complete it in one visit without difficulty. Some mild swelling and tenderness are normal in the days following treatment. The gums will gradually settle and fully heal over the course of several weeks, and the final result becomes visible once that healing is complete. Our team at Toomin & Bieber Aesthetic Comprehensive Dentistry will provide detailed aftercare guidance and remains available to answer any questions during recovery. Who Is a Good Candidate for Aesthetic Crown Elongation?Patients who feel self-conscious about a gummy smile, or whose teeth appear too short because of excess gum tissue, are often good candidates for this procedure. The treatment is best suited to individuals who are in good general oral health, with no active gum disease, unresolved infection, or other conditions requiring attention before elective cosmetic work can proceed. During a consultation at Toomin & Bieber Aesthetic Comprehensive Dentistry, Lawrence Toomin, DDS or will carefully evaluate the gums, teeth, and supporting bone structure to determine whether crown elongation is the right approach and how many teeth would benefit from treatment. Some patients are interested in aesthetic crown elongation as a standalone procedure. Others see it as the starting point for a broader smile makeover that will involve additional cosmetic treatments. Both paths are entirely reasonable, and the treatment plan developed during the consultation will reflect the patient's specific anatomy, preferences, and long-term goals. Combining Crown Elongation With Other Cosmetic TreatmentsAesthetic crown elongation integrates naturally into a broader cosmetic treatment plan. Patients considering porcelain veneers, for instance, often benefit from having the gumline addressed first. Establishing the correct tissue position before placing veneers ensures that each restoration sits at the ideal proportion and looks cohesive rather than disjointed. The same logic applies when teeth whitening, dental bonding, or other cosmetic procedures are part of the picture. Addressing the gumline first creates a uniform foundation that makes every subsequent treatment more impactful. At Toomin & Bieber Aesthetic Comprehensive Dentistry our dentists coordinate all aspects of a patient's cosmetic care within the same practice. This approach allows our dental team to sequence treatments in a way that makes practical sense, reduces the number of separate appointments needed, and produces the most complete and harmonious result possible. Patients who want to improve multiple aspects of their smile can do so with a clear, well-organized plan rather than navigating care across multiple providers. Take the First Step in BurbankPatients in Burbank, Toluca Lake, and the surrounding communities who want to learn more about aesthetic crown elongation are welcome to schedule a consultation at Toomin & Bieber Aesthetic Comprehensive Dentistry. Our dentists bring decades of combined experience and a genuine commitment to helping patients feel confident in the appearance and health of their smile. Whether crown elongation is the only item on the agenda or the first step in a more comprehensive cosmetic plan, our team will provide honest guidance, clear information, and skilled care from the initial consultation through the completion of treatment. To schedule an appointment, call (818) 748-9998. |
Get in Touch!PHONE (818) 748-9998 support@smileburbank.com LOCATION 3808 W Riverside Dr Suite 408 Burbank, CA 91505 Call for (818) 748-9998 Sign Up |
