Esthetic crown lengthening is a cosmetic periodontal procedure that reshapes the gum line to reveal more of the natural tooth, correcting a gummy smile in which excess gum tissue makes teeth look short. At Periovital Clinic in Tijuana, periodontist Dr. Ilse Lugo performs esthetic crown lengthening to create balanced, proportionate smiles for patients from San Diego and across the border who want a more confident appearance.
What is Esthetic Crown Lengthening?
Esthetic crown lengthening is a specialized treatment aimed at improving the appearance of your smile by recontouring the gum line. It is particularly helpful for people with a gummy smile, where excess gum tissue covers part of the teeth and makes them appear shorter than they are. By carefully removing and reshaping that tissue, the procedure brings the teeth into better proportion and creates a more harmonious smile.
Beyond aesthetics, exposing more of the tooth structure can also improve how restorations such as crowns or veneers fit and look, so the result supports both appearance and function.
The Esthetic Crown Lengthening procedure: what to expect
Treatment begins with a consultation where Dr. Lugo evaluates your dental health, listens to your aesthetic goals, and reviews imaging such as X-rays to assess the underlying structures before confirming the plan. On treatment day, local anesthesia numbs the area for your comfort. Dr. Lugo then meticulously removes excess gum tissue and refines the gum line to a natural, even contour, paying close attention to symmetry across your smile. The gums are sutured into their new shape with techniques that promote healing and minimize scarring, and you leave with clear aftercare guidance.
Benefits of Esthetic Crown Lengthening
- Balanced smile: reduces a gummy appearance and brings teeth and gums into pleasing proportion.
- Longer-looking teeth: reveals more of the natural tooth so short-looking teeth appear fuller.
- Better restorations: exposes more tooth structure to improve the fit and appearance of crowns or veneers.
- Boosted confidence: a more attractive smile can meaningfully improve self-esteem.
- Natural results: a periodontist's careful contouring keeps the new gum line looking even and natural.
Am I a candidate for Esthetic Crown Lengthening?
You may be a good candidate if you feel your gums overshadow your teeth, your teeth look short, or your gum line is uneven across your smile. Candidacy depends on the health of your gums and the relationship between gum, tooth, and bone underneath. At your free consultation, Dr. Ilse Lugo reviews your 3D CBCT scan and examines your smile to confirm whether esthetic crown lengthening will give you the result you want.
Recovery and aftercare
After esthetic crown lengthening, some swelling and mild discomfort may occur, but these symptoms are typically mild. Favor soft foods and avoid hard or crunchy items for the first several days while the gums settle. Keep up gentle oral hygiene, brushing carefully and avoiding the treated area as instructed, and attend your follow-up visits so Dr. Lugo can confirm the gum line is healing into its final, even contour.
How much does Esthetic Crown Lengthening cost in Tijuana?
Esthetic crown lengthening in Tijuana costs well below US and Canadian prices, with most patients saving 50 to 70% compared with care at home. Because the fee depends on how many teeth are involved and the extent of reshaping, Dr. Lugo provides an itemized written quote at your free consultation, with no obligation and no upsell. Periovital also provides itemized receipts for FSA or HSA reimbursement where eligible.
Why choose Periovital for Esthetic Crown Lengthening?
At Periovital, your smile is in the hands of Dr. Ilse Lugo, a board-trained periodontist with two decades of focused surgical experience who personally performs every case. Her work combines digital planning precision with an in-house dental lab when restorations are part of your plan. For patients exploring dental tourism Mexico, the clinic offers a free shuttle from San Diego, a bilingual English and Spanish coordinator, and a location minutes from the border, making cosmetic periodontal care near San Diego comfortable and convenient.