Four patients all had a common problem.  Their teeth appeared too short.  This problem is not uncommon and can result from gingival irritation due to medications, dental appliances such as braces, or altered passive eruption, which simply means the gum does not recede to a normal level once teeth have erupted.

If there are habits such as clenching or grinding (bruxism), excessive wear can produce teeth that appear too short.  The problem is one that can often be corrected with dental restorations such as crowns, onlays and veneers.

More frequently, however, a surgical procedure is required.

Four cases requiring crown lengthening surgery are shown below.