Gummy Smile Enhancement

Life Dental Specialties provides gummy smile enhancement in Springfield and Hadley, Massachusetts. Call 413-739-5685 schedule an appointment at our Springfield office or 413-586-3157 for our Hadley office. 

When the gum tissue covers too much of the teeth it can result in a “gummy smile” where the teeth appear short. This does not necessarily cause any dental health issues, but some patients with this condition are dissatisfied with their smile. If you wish to improve your smile by reducing the gum tissue over your teeth, a crown lengthening procedure is most likely the best solution. 

A crown lengthening procedure involves removing a portion of the gum tissue to expose more of the crown of a tooth. Crown lengthening can be done on one or multiple teeth depending on your desired look. When it is done to improve the appearance of the teeth it is considered to be a cosmetic procedure.

A crown lengthening procedure involves removing a portion of the gum tissue to expose more of the crown of a tooth. Crown lengthening can be done on one or multiple teeth depending on your desired look. When it is done to improve the appearance of the teeth it is considered to be a cosmetic procedure.

• Increased confidence. If you’ve been self-conscious about your gummy smile, crown lengthening can increase your confidence so you can smile more and feel good about it. 

• Teeth with even lengths. If your teeth have uneven lengths, crown lengthening can help them look more uniform. 

• Space for a crown restoration. Restoring a tooth with a crown is preferable to replacing the entire tooth. Crown lengthening can make it possible to save your tooth with a dental crown.

Do you feel self-conscious about your gummy smile? Do you avoid smiling or feel dissatisfied with pictures of yourself due to the appearance of your teeth? If so, you may be a good candidate for crown lengthening. It is also important that your teeth and gums are healthy before you undergo the procedure. It can’t be performed if you have cavities, gum disease, or any other issue. Your oral health must be addressed first.

It’s important to be very careful when cleaning your teeth for the first few days after crown lengthening. Don’t brush or floss for the first 24 hours. Then when you do start brushing, be careful to avoid brushing against the gum tissue. You should always ask your dentist when it is safe to start brushing and flossing after any dental procedure.

You may experience some mild sensitivity to cold or heat in the first few days or weeks after your crown lengthening procedure. Sensitivity should subside over time. It may help to use a sensitive toothpaste following your procedure once your dentist lets you know that it’s ok to start brushing.

When crown lengthening is being done for cosmetic reasons it is not covered by your dental insurance. However, if the purpose of the procedure is to make room for a crown restoration, your insurance will likely cover it, or a portion of it, depending on your provider and plan.

During the procedure the tissue being worked on will be numbed with a local anesthetic so that you won’t feel any pain. Any discomfort or soreness you may experience after the procedure can be managed with over the counter pain medication. You should feel back to normal within a few days to a week after your procedure.

Schedule an appointment today at one of our convenient locations: 

Springfield: 413-739-5685

Hadley: 413-586-3157