Functional Crown Lengthening vs Aesthetic Crown Lengthening: Differences & Similarities Explained

Functional Crown Lengthening vs Aesthetic Crown Lengthening…what’s the difference? These two procedures sound almost identical, and the surgical steps are actually very similar. But the reason we perform them is completely different.

In this video, we break down:

• What is Functional Crown Lengthening?
• What is Aesthetic Crown Lengthening?
• Why is one restorative, and the other is cosmetic?
• What actually happens during the surgery?
• What does healing look like?

🦷 Functional Crown Lengthening: This is typically recommended when a tooth needs a crown, but there isn’t enough visible tooth structure for your general dentist to properly restore it. During the procedure, we remove excess gum tissue and carefully reshape the supporting bone to create the space needed for a strong, long-lasting restoration. After a short healing period, you return to your general dentist to complete the crown.

✨ Aesthetic Crown Lengthening: This procedure is done for cosmetic reasons. The teeth are healthy, but they may appear short or hidden under excess gum tissue, creating a “gummy” smile. We reshape the gum tissue and bone so that more of your natural tooth structure is visible, creating better proportions and a more balanced smile.

The procedure is similar. The goals are very different. Functional crown lengthening supports your dentist in restoring your tooth. Aesthetic crown lengthening improves the appearance of your smile.

If you’ve been told you need crown lengthening and aren’t sure which type applies to you, this video will help you understand the difference and what to expect.