Crown Lengthening
McHenry, IL Crown lengthening is a dental procedure designed to improve the balance between your teeth and gums, creating a smile that looks more proportionate and healthy. For some people, excess gum tissue can make teeth appear shorter than they truly are, while for others, tooth damage or decay near the gumline may limit restorative options. Crown lengthening reshapes the gumline to reveal more of the natural tooth structure, supporting both appearance and oral health. Whether performed for cosmetic reasons or to prepare for restorative treatment, crown lengthening at McHenry Smile Center can play an important role in achieving a confident, functional smile.What Is Crown Lengthening?Crown lengthening is a procedure that carefully recontours the gum tissue surrounding one or more teeth to expose additional tooth surface. In certain cases, a small amount of underlying bone is also adjusted to help create a stable foundation for the gums in their new position. The goal is to establish a gumline that looks natural while allowing the teeth to appear more evenly proportioned. Patients often seek crown lengthening because they feel their smile shows too much gum tissue, sometimes referred to as a "gummy smile." Others may need the procedure for practical reasons, such as preparing a tooth for a dental crown or addressing damage that extends below the gumline. In all cases, crown lengthening is planned with careful attention to both aesthetics and long term gum health. Reasons Crown Lengthening May Be RecommendedCrown lengthening can be suggested for several different situations. From a cosmetic perspective, it is commonly used when the gums cover more of the teeth than desired, creating an uneven or unbalanced appearance. By repositioning the gums, the teeth appear longer and more symmetrical within the smile. There are also important restorative reasons for crown lengthening. When a tooth is broken or decayed close to the gumline, there may not be enough exposed structure to securely place a crown or filling. Crown lengthening reveals additional tooth surface, allowing restorations to fit properly and be easier to keep clean. This supports the health of both the treated tooth and the surrounding gums. Planning Your Crown Lengthening ProcedureEvery crown lengthening treatment begins with a detailed evaluation. During your consultation at McHenry Smile Center, our dental team will examine your teeth, gums, and bone structure. Digital images, measurements, and impressions may be used to help plan the ideal gumline shape and determine how much tissue adjustment is needed. Your goals and concerns are an important part of the planning process. Whether the focus is improving the appearance of your smile or preparing for restorative care, the treatment plan is customized to your specific needs. This careful preparation helps ensure predictable results and a smooth healing process. What Happens During Crown Lengthening?On the day of the procedure, steps are taken to keep you comfortable throughout treatment. The area is gently numbed so you remain at ease while the dentist reshapes the gum tissue. The gums are carefully repositioned to expose more of the tooth surface and create a balanced contour. If bone adjustment is necessary, it is done with precision to support the new gumline and help prevent future changes. Once the desired shape is achieved, the area is cleaned and protected to encourage healing. The length of the procedure depends on how many teeth are involved and the extent of reshaping required. Comfort During And After TreatmentMany patients are concerned about discomfort, but crown lengthening is generally well tolerated. During the procedure, local numbing methods help minimize sensation, and most people report feeling pressure rather than pain. After treatment, it is normal to notice some tenderness, swelling, or sensitivity as the gums heal. These effects are temporary and typically improve over time. Our dental team will provide clear aftercare instructions to help manage sensitivity and support comfortable healing during the recovery period. What To Expect During RecoveryRecovery following crown lengthening is usually straightforward. In the first few days, the gums may feel tender, and the treated area can appear slightly swollen. Soft foods are often recommended initially to reduce irritation while the gums begin to heal. Maintaining oral hygiene remains important, though brushing and flossing techniques may be adjusted around the treated area. The dentist will explain how to keep your mouth clean without disturbing the healing gums. Most patients are able to resume normal routines shortly after treatment, with only minor temporary modifications. Healing Timeline And Follow Up CareInitial healing typically occurs within one to two weeks, during which swelling and tenderness gradually decrease. Complete healing of the gums can take several weeks, particularly if bone reshaping was involved. As healing progresses, the gums settle into their new position, revealing the final appearance of the smile. Follow up visits may be scheduled to monitor healing and ensure the gumline remains stable. These appointments allow our dental team to confirm that the tissues are responding well and that the desired outcome is being achieved. Longevity Of Crown Lengthening ResultsCrown lengthening is considered a durable solution. Once the gums and bone have fully healed, the new gumline is designed to remain stable. This provides lasting improvements in both tooth appearance and function. Consistent oral hygiene and routine dental visits help protect the health of the gums over time. Healthy gum tissue is less likely to change, supporting long term results and helping your smile maintain its balanced look. Advantages Of Crown LengtheningCrown lengthening offers several benefits. It can improve smile symmetry, enhance tooth visibility, and create a more harmonious relationship between teeth and gums. The procedure can also make restorative treatments more effective by providing adequate tooth structure for proper placement. At McHenry Smile Center, crown lengthening is approached with attention to detail and patient comfort. Whether your goals are cosmetic, restorative, or a combination of both, this treatment can support a healthier, more confident smile. Schedule Your Crown Lengthening ConsultationIf you are interested in learning whether crown lengthening is right for you, scheduling a consultation is the first step. Our team is here to answer your questions, evaluate your smile, and discuss personalized treatment options. Contact our office today at (815) 578-1000 to take the next step toward a more balanced and confident smile. |
 Office Hours
Monday: 8:00am - 5:00pm Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm Wednesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm Thursday: 8:00pm - 5:00pm Friday: 8:00am - 2:00pm Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
