Aesthetic crown lengthening.

Aesthetic considerations have influenced the management of dental maladies in varying degrees for many years. Patient awareness and expectations have increased recently to the point that less than optimal aesthetics are no longer an acceptable outcome (27). In the 21st century, the dental practitioner must be prepared to meet the challenges necessary to provide care that will result in a true condition of oral health. Current standards dictate the importance of avoiding procedures that will result in aesthetic compromise as well as the concept of providing patients with improved aesthetics whenever possible (14). An essential goal of treatment is long-term stability of the result; for this to be achieved the integrity of the dentogingival junction must be respected, and dental restorations and the periodontium must be in harmony. A predictable, successful outcome can only be expected if a complete and accurate diagnosis is obtained and used to generate an appropriate treatment plan. This chapter discusses crown-lengthening procedures with particular attention to aesthetic considerations.