Managing Short Teeth Concerns with Crown Lengthening

Rediscover Your Smile When Teeth Look Too Short

When your teeth look short, it can affect how you feel every time you smile. Many adults feel self-conscious in group photos, during work meetings, or at special events when they notice more gum than teeth in pictures. It can be frustrating when you are careful with your oral care, yet your smile still does not match how you want to look.

Short-looking teeth are not always actually small. In many cases, the teeth are a normal size but are mostly hidden by extra gum tissue. At our periodontal practice in Fort Collins, we often help people who are unhappy with a “gummy” smile and are surprised to learn that a precise procedure called crown lengthening can reveal more of their natural teeth. In this article, we will walk through why teeth can appear short, how crown lengthening works, and what to expect if you choose this treatment with us.

Why Teeth Can Look Short Even When They Are Not

Teeth can look short for a few different reasons, and understanding the cause is the first step toward the right solution. Not every person with a gummy smile has the same issue, so we look closely at your teeth, gums, and bite before suggesting treatment.

Sometimes teeth are actually worn down. This can be related to habits such as grinding or clenching, or to older dental work that no longer fits well. In these cases, the enamel itself is shorter, and you may need restorative care like crowns or veneers, often combined with periodontal treatment.

Other times, the teeth only appear short because they are covered by gum tissue. Common reasons for this include:

• Genetics, where you naturally have more gum showing than average  
• Altered tooth eruption, when teeth did not fully come through the gums as you grew  
• Certain medications that can cause gum overgrowth  
• Past orthodontic treatment that changed how your gums sit on the teeth  
• Gum swelling related to inflammation or plaque buildup  

These issues are not only cosmetic. Extra gum around the teeth can make it harder to keep the gumline clean. This may:

• Trap food and bacteria near the gums  
• Increase the risk of gum disease  
• Make brushing and flossing less effective  
• Create challenges for placing crowns, veneers, or fillings  

When your dentist cannot reach enough healthy tooth above the gumline, it becomes harder to place long-lasting restorations. That is where crown lengthening can help.

How Crown Lengthening Reveals More of Your Teeth

Crown lengthening is a periodontal surgery that reshapes the gum tissue, and sometimes the bone around the teeth, to uncover more of the natural tooth structure. The tooth itself is not made longer. Instead, the gums are gently repositioned so that more enamel shows when you smile or when your dentist needs room to place a restoration.

There are two main types of crown lengthening:

• Cosmetic crown lengthening, focused on reducing a gummy smile and creating a more balanced look  
• Functional crown lengthening, done so a tooth has enough exposed structure for a crown, bridge, or large filling  

At Fort Collins Periodontics and Dental Implants, the process is tailored to each person. A typical planning process includes:

• A detailed exam of your gums, teeth, and bite  
• Digital imaging or X-rays to see the bone levels around your teeth  
• Careful measurement of how much gum should be adjusted  
• Communication with your general dentist or cosmetic dentist if you are getting crowns or veneers  

By coordinating with your dental team, we aim to create a gumline that looks natural and gives your dentist the right amount of tooth to work with.

What to Expect Before and After Crown Lengthening

Knowing what will happen during and after crown lengthening can help you feel more at ease. This is a detailed procedure, but with modern tools and careful planning, most people find it very manageable.

A typical appointment often includes:

• Local anesthesia to numb the area and keep you comfortable  
• Gentle reshaping of the gum tissue around the chosen teeth  
• Adjustment of the bone around the teeth when needed for stability  
• Placement of small sutures to help the gums heal in their new position  
• A protective dressing in some cases to shield the area while it starts to heal  

Most people go home the same day. In the days immediately after treatment, it is normal to have some tenderness and mild swelling. We give instructions on:

• How to keep the area clean without disturbing the gums  
• What types of soft foods are easiest at first  
• How to manage normal post-treatment soreness  
• When to return for follow-up visits and suture removal  

Initial healing usually takes a couple of weeks. During this time, we want you to be gentle with the area, follow your care instructions, and keep your follow-up visits. The gums continue to mature and settle for several months, so we usually suggest waiting until they are stable before final crowns or veneers are placed. This timing helps your final smile look even and natural.

Benefits of Crown Lengthening for Health and Confidence

Crown lengthening can have a big impact on how your smile looks and feels. On the cosmetic side, the procedure can help:

• Reduce the look of a gummy smile  
• Create a more even tooth-to-gum ratio  
• Improve symmetry across the front teeth  
• Make your smile line fuller and more balanced in photos  

When you feel better about your smile, it often shows up in your daily life, from job interviews to family gatherings.

There are also important oral health benefits. With a more natural gum contour, it is often easier to:

• Brush and floss near the gumline  
• Remove plaque and food from tight areas  
• Maintain long-term gum stability  
• Support crowns, veneers, or implant restorations more predictably  

By exposing the right amount of healthy tooth, crown lengthening can help protect the time and care you invest in restorative work. Your dentist can anchor crowns and veneers on a stronger foundation, which is especially important for teeth that do a lot of chewing or are key to your bite.

Choosing a Periodontist in Fort Collins for Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening changes both the look and the health of your gums, so it is important to see a specialist who focuses on gum and bone anatomy. Periodontists are trained to work with the supporting structures of the teeth and to shape tissue in a way that looks natural and respects long-term health.

At our Fort Collins office, we use modern techniques and imaging to plan gum reshaping with precision. We pay close attention to:

• How your smile looks from different angles  
• How much gum should show when you talk and laugh  
• How your teeth come together when you bite  
• How to coordinate with your general dentist or cosmetic dentist for restorations  

People often have questions about comfort and safety. Local anesthesia keeps the area numb, and we talk through comfort options ahead of time so you know what to expect. If you feel anxious about dental treatment in general, we take extra time to explain each step and create a calm, steady pace that fits your needs.

Insurance coverage for crown lengthening can vary based on whether the procedure is considered functional or cosmetic. Our team can help review your plan details so you understand what may be covered before treatment begins.

By working together, we can address both the health and appearance of your gums, so your teeth no longer look shorter than they really are.

Restore a Healthier, More Confident Smile Today

If you are ready to improve your oral health and support long-lasting restorations, we are here to help you understand how crown lengthening can fit into your treatment plan. At Fort Collins Periodontics and Dental Implants, we will explain your options clearly so you can make informed decisions about your care. To schedule an appointment or ask questions about your specific situation, please contact us today.