Crown Lengthening Procedure in the Treatment of Gummy Smile: A Mini Review
											
			
	
Abdallah Abdelnabi Aref1, Eslam Osama Hashem1, Doaa Adel-Khattab1*, Mohamed Samy Zaki2 and Ahmed Elsayed Hamed Amr1
1Department of Oral Medicine, Periodontology and Oral Diagnosis, Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
2Department of Fixed Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
 
*Corresponding Author:  Doaa Adel-Khattab, Department of Oral Medicine, Periodontology and Oral Diagnosis, Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
 
  Received:
  October 06, 2025; Published: October 30, 2025
 
 Abstract
 A harmonious smile depends on the balance between the teeth, gingiva, and lips. Excessive gingival display, commonly termed “gummy smile”, is a frequent esthetic concern that can adversely impact facial harmony and patient confidence. Crown lengthening remains a cornerstone for the management of gummy smile, particularly in cases of dentogingival etiology such as altered passive eruption. Conventional surgical approaches have demonstrated predictable and stable results when performed according to established periodontal principles. Guided crown lengthening techniques have become a significant development in esthetic periodontal surgery, aiming for more predictable results in soft and hard tissue architecture. The primary advantage of these techniques lies in reducing human error, which can occur in traditional surgery. The materials used in guide fabrication, such as acrylic or vacuum-formed templates, provide the clinician with precise guidance in determining the desired gingival margin and bone recontouring, ensuring that the outcome is aligned with esthetic and functional goals. Future research should focus on long-term gingival stability, cost-effectiveness, and optimization of digital workflows to further refine clinical outcomes. 
 Keywords:  Gummy Smile; Digital Dentistry; Surgical Guide; Crown Lengthening; Esthetic Dentistry
 
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