Crown lengthening is also known as a gum lift. It is ideal for anyone who has a "gummy" smile.

1. How A Cosmetic Dentist Can Improve
Your Natural Smile

2. Do you feel like your smile is lacking? Cosmetic dentistry is
becoming more and more popular, and there is a wide
variety of procedures available to help improve your smile.
One such procedure is called crown lengthening. Crown
lengthening is also known as a gum lift. It is ideal for
anyone who has a "gummy" smile. It works by exposing
more of your natural teeth in order to make them look
larger and longer. A cosmetic dentist performs this type of
procedure. Here are some things you should know about
crown lengthening:

3. What Does Crown Lengthening
Mean?
This surgery, performed by a cosmetic dentist, is meant for
anyone who has an uneven gum line or small teeth. Crown
lengthening is a surgery that takes away some gum tissue
from the top of the mouth in order to make the teeth look a
little longer. It may also need to be done for anyone who
may have a bone fracture in the upper jaw or decay in that
area. The dentist will remove that excess gum tissue in
order to be able to repair the damage.

4. How Does the Procedure Work?
Patients are placed under local anesthesia for this procedure.
Next, the cosmetic dentist will make small incisions to pull
the gum away from the teeth. The dentist will then remove
extra gum tissue and decide whether or not more needs to
be taken away in order to achieve the desired effect. Some
patients may need a little bone removed as well. Once the
tissue is removed, the dentist will wash the area and stitch
up the gums.

5. What Are the Advantages?
One of the best advantages of crown lengthening is that the
procedure only has to be performed once, unlike other
treatments like veneers or crowns. It will help your smile be
more even and symmetrical. The procedure can also reduce
the chance of tooth decay since there is more of the tooth
exposed that can be brushed and flossed.

6. What Are the Disadvantages?
The procedure can be pricey, which is one of the biggest
disadvantages. If you have a medical reason for the surgery,
insurance may cover some of the charges. After the
procedure, you may experience some light pain and
swelling. There is also a small risk of infection.
Crown lengthening can be very beneficial to many patients. If
you think you can benefit from this procedure, schedule a
consultation with your cosmetic dentist to see if you are a
good candidate for the surgery.

7. Resources:
http://www.xpressdentalclinic.com
http://ezinearticles.com/?Crown-Lengthening---How-A-
Cosmetic-Dentist-Can-Improve-Your-Natural-
Smile&id=8775560

8. Thank you for reading!