Did you know that crown lengthening isn’t just one standard procedure? We can tailor it to address the various dental concerns you may have. The types of crown lengthening available at Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants include the following:
Functional Crown Lengthening
When your tooth breaks below the gumline, decay extends under your gums, or you need a crown but there’s not enough tooth showing, functional crown lengthening can be your best treatment solution. During this restorative procedure, we gently remove some gum tissue and, if necessary, reshape the underlying bone to reveal more of your natural tooth. Functional crown lengthening gives us the necessary space to create lasting, beautiful restorations that feel comfortable and function properly.
Cosmetic Crown Lengthening
Do you feel like you show too much of your gums when you smile? Cosmetic crown lengthening can be an effective solution to restore your confidence. This cosmetic dentistry approach focuses on creating that perfect balance between gums and teeth for a more proportionate, confidence-boosting smile.
Unlike its functional counterpart, cosmetic gum reshaping typically addresses the front teeth. We carefully design your new gumline revealing the full beauty of your natural teeth that have been partially hidden under excess gum tissue.
Combined Approach
Sometimes your smile needs both form and function addressed, like needing a crown on a front tooth in an area with a gummy smile. In these cases, we combine both crown lengthening approaches to achieve a result that looks stunning.
What Are the Benefits of Crown Lengthening?
Beyond simply showing more of your teeth, crown lengthening offers several impressive benefits that make this periodontal surgery a worthwhile consideration. These advantages include the following:
Enhanced Restorative Success
Your beautiful new crown needs a proper foundation to truly last and protect your tooth. Crown lengthening treatment creates the ideal spacing your restoration needs, dramatically improving its chances for long-term success. This means you’ll spend less time in the dental chair for replacements and more time enjoying your healthy smile.
According to a BMC Oral Health study, teeth treated with modified crown lengthening surgery and restorations showed an impressive 97.8% success rate in the first year after treatment, with long-term success rates remaining high for many years following the procedure.
Cosmetic Improvements
If you’ve spent years hiding your “gummy smile,” cosmetic crown lengthening can be life-changing. By creating a more balanced ratio between gums and teeth, your smile suddenly appears more natural and harmonious, giving you results you’re proud to show off.
Preservation of Natural Teeth
Crown lengthening could be the difference between keeping your natural tooth and needing an extraction. When decay or fractures extend below the gumline, this gum tissue surgery can expose enough healthy tooth structure for restoration, helping you maintain your natural smile for years to come.
Cost Considerations for Crown Lengthening
At Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants in East Brunswick, we don’t want finances to get in the way of you achieving a strong, healthy smile. Our trusted team can help you understand what affects the cost of crown lengthening surgery and how to plan effectively for this investment in your smile.
Factors Affecting Cost
Not all crown lengthening procedures are the same. The complexity of your case, including the number of teeth requiring treatment and whether your bone needs reshaping, significantly impacts the overall cost. During your consultation, we’ll provide a personalized estimate based on your specific needs.
Insurance Coverage
Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage when crown lengthening is necessary for restorative purposes. They typically categorize it as a periodontal procedure, similar to other gum treatments.
On the other hand, cosmetic crown lengthening procedures often fall into the elective category, which many insurance plans don’t cover. Fortunately, our friendly office team can help you navigate insurance benefits and explain what’s covered before you commit to treatment.
Long-Term Value
When considering cost, think about crown lengthening as a long-term investment rather than a one-time expense. Functional crown lengthening significantly extends the life of your restorations by ensuring proper fit and reducing complications. Cosmetic crown lengthening delivers permanent results that don’t require ongoing maintenance beyond your regular brushing and flossing.
Financing Options
We offer several ways to make crown lengthening treatment more budget-friendly. Our payment plans help spread the costs over time, and we provide information about Cherry Financing which offers flexible financing options with low or no interest for qualified patients.
