Achieving an esthetically pleasing relationship
between gums and teeth is an aspect of smile design that sometimes
includes re-sculpting the gumline to lengthen teeth or "lift"
the smile. This can eliminate a "gummy smile" appearance,
improve a "lopsided" smile, and create a more elegant
balance between gums and teeth. It is also performed occasionally
when more complex restorations are needed or to perfect the outcome
following accidental trauma to the mouth.