Achievement of biologic width and aesthetics in maxillary anterior teeth

In some cases the damage of a tooth extends well below the gumline and in proximity to the underlying alveolar bone (lack of biologic width). In these cases, and as long as the tooth is judged to be eligible for restoration, a small surgical procedure is performed to the gums and bone (clinic crown lengthening), in order to establish biologic width and make possible the restoration of the tooth.

There are, however, cases in which anterior teeth appear to be fairly small, with concurrent intense exposure of the gingiva. In these cases crown lengthening is performed for aesthetic reasons.

Crown lengthening Before treatment - Crown lengthening Crown lengthening After treatment - Crown lengthening

Case of crown lengthening in the anterior maxilla. The teeth were used in a greater prosthetic plan (PFM bridge from canine to canine). The teeth were given the necessary biological width and prosthetic height.

Crown lengthening Before treatment - Crown lengthening in the aesthetic zone Crown lengthening After treatment - Crown lengthening in the aesthetic zone

A case of crown lengthening in the aesthetic zone using a transparent surgical splint. There was a change in the rim of the gum with the help of a stent guide, which was built according to diagnostic waxing. The left upper incisor had to be removed in a second phase.