My dental crown is too long. What can be done about this?

Question

I got a dental crown about ten years ago and since then I’ve noticed that it’s a little bit longer than the rest of my teeth. It’s definitely noticeable, especially since when I smile my gums show. I did, however, get braces about five years ago and since I’ve had them off my teeth have shifted back, so I don’t know if that has anything to do with it. What can be done about this?

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:If you are happy with the shape and the color of your crowns, you can easily have the length adjusted with removing the crowns.Best,Dr. Maddahi

Andy Shieh, DMD · Answer

Your crown is on tooth #9 and it is a bit longer look because it’s gum height is higher than tooth #8 (the other front tooth). Easy fix, find a cosmetic dentist that will recontour your gum (gum lift, gum recontouring, ginigvaplasty, gingivectomy). By doing so, your other front tooth will then look the same height as your crowned tooth #9. You’ll look great.

Hisham Kaloti, DDS (retired) · Answer

Teeth get long from the gum side for the following reasons:
1. Gum disease
2. overzealous brushing 
3. Tooth movement 
4. Hard or uneven bite.
One of these causes (or multiple causes) may have contributed to your tooth getting longer. Your dentist should be able to help figure out what caused your tooth to get longer.
To repair this, first step is always professional gum therapy to eradicate any gum inflammation (or gum disease) that exists. 
Second you and your dentist might decide to: 
1. Adjust the bite so it’s even on all the teeth
2. Review oral hygiene techniques for meticulous care that doesn’t hurt the gums in the process
3. Lengthen the other tooth for symmetry if esthetically acceptable
4. Orthodontics to push the tooth back into alignment and sometimes that help the fun tissue comes down over the area of concern.
5. Finally, there’s always the surgical option of lowering the gum tissue onto the affected area so it covers the root surface exposed.

Best to have this conversation with your dentist and customize a plan that’s right for you!

My dental crown is too long. What can be done about this?

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My dental crown is too long. What can be done about this?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Dental Crown

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.