What is a gummy smile, and how can it be treated?

A gummy smile is when excess gum tissue is visible above the teeth, causing the smile to appear disproportionate. It can be treated with crown lengthening, a procedure where the gum tissue is reshaped and sculpted for a more symmetrical and balanced smile. This treatment can be done in one visit using either traditional or laser techniques.

What is crown lengthening and how does it improve my smile?

Crown lengthening is a procedure that reshapes the gum tissue around your teeth to create a more aesthetic tooth-to-gum ratio. This can address a gummy smile by revealing more of the teeth, making the smile look more proportionate. It is performed by our expert cosmetic dentistry team, including periodontists and dentists who specialize in periodontal plastic surgeries.

Is crown lengthening only for cosmetic reasons?

While crown lengthening is often used for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of a gummy smile, it can also be used for functional reasons. For example, if there’s decay beneath the gum tissue or you need a restoration like a dental crown, reshaping the gums may be necessary to access the tooth.

What is traditional crown lengthening?

Traditional crown lengthening involves using a scalpel to trim excess gum tissue and, in some cases, bone from around the tooth. This method requires incisions, which means a brief healing period with possible swelling or discomfort for the first few days.

What is laser crown lengthening?

Laser crown lengthening is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery. Using a state-of-the-art WaterLase® dental laser, soft tissue and bone are removed with precision. This method is virtually pain-free, requires no incisions, and allows for quicker healing with reduced risk of infection. It is a fast and comfortable treatment option.

How does laser crown lengthening differ from traditional crown lengthening?

Laser crown lengthening is less invasive and doesn't require scalpel incisions, which makes the recovery process faster and more comfortable. The laser cauterizes tissue as it works, reducing bleeding and infection risks. Traditional crown lengthening, however, involves making incisions, which may result in a slightly longer healing period.

Will crown lengthening improve the function of my teeth as well as their appearance?

Yes, crown lengthening can enhance both the function and aesthetics of your smile. If you need access to a tooth for treatment (like a crown) or have issues with decay beneath the gums, crown lengthening can help by exposing more of the tooth. While the procedure may start as functional, it often provides cosmetic benefits as well.

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Personalized Treatment For Gummy Smiles

Does your “gummy” smile cause you to feel embarrassed and insecure? Our cosmetic dentistry team can treat this condition in one visit with crown lengthening in Beverly Hills, Northridge, and Thousand Oaks, CA. Using both traditional techniques and state-of-the-art laser protocols, our team will sculpt and reshape your gum tissue to be more symmetrical and proportioned with your teeth. This procedure requires great skill and artistry to reveal the most aesthetic tooth-to-gum ratio for your unique smile. Our cosmetic dentistry team includes a periodontist and dentists who specialize in periodontal plastic surgeries like crown lengthening. Using our expertise and innovative protocols, we’ll help you find confidence in your natural smile!

Crown Lengthening For Improved Function

For many of our patients, crown lengthening is a cosmetic procedure and, in many cases, part of their smile makeover treatment. However, sometimes crown lengthening is for functional reasons. If you have decay beneath the gum tissue or need a restoration like a dental crown, we may need to reshape the gum tissue to access your tooth. This procedure follows the same process and though it’s primarily for functional purposes, we ensure it provides cosmetic benefits as well.

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Traditional Crown Lengthening

Traditional treatment for a “gummy” smile includes using a scalpel to trim away excess gum tissue and bone from around each tooth. Sometimes, only gums need to be enhanced, but occasionally, the bone around the tooth roots will need to be reshaped to expose a greater portion of the visible tooth. Since this surgery requires incisions, you’ll go through a brief healing period and may experience some swelling or discomfort for the first few days.

Laser Crown Lengthening

Laser-assisted crown lengthening is the minimally invasive alternative to traditional treatment. Using our state-of-the-art WaterLase® dental laser from Biolase®, we remove the soft tissue and bone from around the teeth with great precision. Dental lasers have a cauterizing effect, so the gum tissue heals quickly, with reduced risk for infection. This treatment is also virtually pain-free and doesn’t require incisions, so both the procedure and healing are fast and comfortable.

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Our office is in-network with all major insurance providers. Please bring your insurance card to each appointment so we can make sure your information is as up-to-date as possible. If you do not find your insurance provider here; please call at (424) 453-3495 for clarity.

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