What are the Benefits of Crown Lengthening?

August 21, 2025

A closeup of a woman’s teeth and gums.

Do you have a “gummy” smile that makes your teeth seem too small or stubby? Have you ever wished there was something you could do to make them grow? What you may not have realized is that although you can’t make your teeth larger, there is a treatment that can make them appear longer and eliminate that overly gummy appearance at the same time. Here’s what you need to know about the amazing benefits of crown lengthening!

What is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening is a procedure that uses a soft-tissue laser to trim away excess gum tissue that covers the teeth and makes them appear too short or stubby. The use of this laser eliminates the need for a scalpel and sutures, reducing the amount of bleeding and shortening the healing process. Because it cauterizes as it works, the soft tissue laser also lowers your risk of infection.

The Benefits of Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening has many benefits, including improving the appearance of your smile. By removing excess gum tissue, this treatment will show more of your teeth, giving them a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

It can also be very important as a preliminary procedure for other treatments, such as placing a dental crown or porcelain veneer. In some cases, there may not be enough tooth structure above your gumline to support these types of restorations. Crown lengthening can expose more of the teeth and create a stronger foundation for these restorations.

Finally, crown lengthening can also be beneficial for your oral health. Excess gum tissue can make it difficult to protect your oral hygiene, especially if you can’t reach the tooth’s surface beneath the gums. Thus, when this tissue is removed, it can help lower your risk of periodontal disease and cavities.

Remember, while you can’t magically make your teeth grow longer, crown lengthening can reveal more of your natural tooth structure and eliminate excessive gum tissue, making your smile look wider and healthier. To learn more about this dynamic treatment, schedule a consultation with your periodontist today!

About Our Practice

At Georgia Periodontics LLC Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, our skilled and caring periodontists, Dr. Mark Litterer and Dr. Aubrey Scher are proud to offer a variety of smile-saving gum treatments, including crown lengthening. If you have a gummy smile or have always felt like your teeth are too small, this treatment could be the solution you’ve been looking for. To learn more about whether you qualify for crown lengthening, schedule a consultation with us on our website or call the location nearest you today!