Esthetic crown lengthening: appropriate diagnosis for achieving gingival balance.

A gummy smile poses a restorative challenge for dentists attempting to achieve ideal esthetics. Many have advocated the use of a gingivectomy or laser-assisted gingival contouring procedure. However, this simplistic approach can potentially create a mucogingival defect or a biological width violation. To avoid these periodontal-restorative complications, it is important during treatment planning to assess the anatomical relationship that resulted in the gummy smile and choose the appropriate surgical treatment to eliminate this condition.