An alternative option to laser gum contouring is crown lengthening. In a healthy mouth, free from gum disease, the position of the gum is usually determined by the level of the bone underneath it. Traditionally, to show more of the teeth and reduce the gum level, the crown lengthening procedure is carried out. In this surgical procedure, first the level of the bone under the gum is modified (ie reduced and reshaped). The gum is then re-positioned and sutured in place, resulting in more of the teeth and less of the gum being exposed. With crown lengthening one can expect a more definitive final gum position compared to laser gum contouring, where the bone position is not altered.