A gum lift is a cosmetic dental procedure that raises and sculpts the gum line. This procedure involves reshaping the tissue

Tissue (biology)

Tissue is a cellular organizational level intermediate between cells and a complete organism. A tissue is an ensemble of cells, not necessarily identical, but from the same origin, that together carry out a specific function. These are called tissues because of their identical functioning...

 and/or underlying bone

Bone

Bones are rigid organs that constitute part of the endoskeleton of vertebrates. They support, and protect the various organs of the body, produce red and white blood cells and store minerals. Bone tissue is a type of dense connective tissue...

s to create the appearance of longer or symmetrical teeth, thereby making the smile more aesthetically pleasing. This procedure is typically done to reduce excessively gummy smiles or to balance out an asymmetrical gum line. The procedure, also known as crown-lengthening, has historically been used to treat gum disease. It is only within the past three to five years that dentists have used this procedure for aesthetic purposes.

Elisa Mello, DDS, clinical assistant professor at New York University College of Dentistry

New York University College of Dentistry

The New York University College of Dentistry is one of 14 schools and divisions at New York University. It is located near Manhattan's Midtown area...

 and a partner in New York-based NYC Smile Design, notes in the January 18, 2006 issue of USA Today

USA Today

USA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. It was founded by Al Neuharth. The newspaper vies with The Wall Street Journal for the position of having the widest circulation of any newspaper in the United States, something it previously held since 2003...

, that “By evening up the gum line, everything looks so much more in harmony, so much more pleasing.”