Crown Lengthening
Our Glenroy clinic offers affordable, gentle care with the latest technology for patients of all ages.
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Functional & Cosmetic Gum Reshaping for a Healthier Smile
Sometimes a tooth doesn’t have enough visible structure above the gum line to support a dental crown properly. In other cases, excess gum tissue can create a “gummy smile” that makes teeth appear short or uneven. Crown lengthening is a precise dental procedure that reshapes gum tissue and, in some cases, bone to expose more of the natural tooth. This enables more precise crown placement and improved smile aesthetics.
At Melbourne Family Dentist, we perform both restorative and cosmetic crown lengthening in Melbourne, helping patients restore damaged teeth and improve gum symmetry with predictable, comfortable care.
Crown Lengthening vs Gum Lift – What’s the Difference?
Crown Lengthening
Best for: Restorative or structural needs
- Exposes more tooth structure
- May involve reshaping gum and bone
- Often required before placing a crown
- Improves function and long-term stability
Gum Lift (Cosmetic Gum Contouring)
Best for: Smile enhancement
- Reshapes excess gum tissue
- Usually does not involve bone
- Improves “gummy smile” appearance
- Focused on aesthetics
During your consultation, we’ll recommend the right option based on whether your goal is structural restoration or cosmetic enhancement.
Why Crown Lengthening May Be Needed?
Crown lengthening isn’t just cosmetic. It often plays a critical role in long-term dental restoration.
Preparing a Tooth for a Crown
If decay or fracture extends below the gum line, there may not be enough tooth structure to support a crown securely.
Treating a Gummy Smile
Excess gum tissue can make teeth appear short. Gum reshaping improves proportions.
Managing Deep Decay
When cavities extend below the gum line, crown lengthening exposes healthy tooth structure.
Supporting Long-Term Restoration
It creates a stable foundation for crowns and bridges.
How does the Procedure Works?
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Consultation | Examination and digital imaging |
| Pre-Cleaning | Professional cleaning before treatment |
| Gum Reshaping | Excess gum tissue is adjusted |
| Bone Adjustment (if needed) | A small amount of bone was reshaped |
| Temporary Crown | Protects the tooth before the final crown |
| Healing Phase | Gum tissue stabilises before final crown placement |
Healing usually takes a few weeks, depending on the area treated.
What Is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a minor surgical procedure that carefully removes and reshapes gum tissue and, if necessary, the underlying bone to expose more of the tooth.
The procedure typically takes less than one hour per area treated and is performed under local anaesthesia.
Unlike a gum lift purely for cosmetic purposes, clinical crown lengthening focuses on functional restoration and biological health.
Recovery & Aftercare
Most patients experience mild swelling or tenderness for a few days.
You can expect:
Normal eating within 24 hours
Gentle brushing in the treated area
Temporary sensitivity ral days
Follow-up review appointment
We provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing.
Crown Lengthening for Gummy Smile Treatment
Concern:
Do your teeth appear short or hidden by excess gum tissue when you smile?Solution:
Cosmetic crown lengthening gently reshapes the gum line to reveal more natural tooth structure. The result is a more balanced, symmetrical smile without altering the teeth.What You’ll Notice:
- Teeth appear longer and more proportionate
- Less gum display when smiling
- Improved smile harmony
- Natural-looking, long-term results
For complete smile enhancement, this treatment can be combined with Smile Design & Makeover services.
Why Choose Melbourne Family Dentist?
At Melbourne Family Dentist, we combine restorative precision with cosmetic attention to detail.
Patients choose us because we offer:
- Gentle, minimally invasive techniques
- Comprehensive treatment planning
- Modern digital imaging
- Experienced crown and gum specialists
- Convenient Glenroy location
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a procedure that exposes more tooth structure by reshaping the gum and sometimes the bone tissue.
The procedure is done under local anaesthesia. Mild discomfort afterwards is temporary.
Most procedures take less than one hour per tooth area.
Cost depends on the number of teeth involved and whether bone reshaping is required. A personalised consultation provides accurate pricing.
If performed for restorative reasons (not cosmetic), partial cover may apply depending on your policy.
You may benefit from crown lengthening if:
- A tooth is broken below the gum line
- You’ve been told there’s not enough tooth structure for a crown
- You have uneven gum levels
- You feel your smile looks too “gummy”
We’ll assess your case thoroughly and explain all treatment options clearly.
Book a Crown Lengthening Consultation
If you need stronger support for a dental crown or want to improve your smile proportions, crown lengthening may be the right solution.
