Passive eruption is characterized by the apical shift of the dentogingival junction. As this occurs, the length of the clinical crown increases as the epithelial attachment migrates apically. Altered passive eruption occurs when the margin of gingiva is malpositioned incisally on the anatomic crown in adulthood and results in excessive gingiva. The purpose of this article is to evaluate esthetic results of crown lengthening procedure in altered passive eruption.s.

Three patients who complained "My front teeth look too short" were included. Bone sounding with periodontal probe revealed that alveolar bone crest was close to CEJ. Based on the diagnostic information, a diagnosis of altered passive eruption was made. They were performed apically positioned flap procedure with osseous resection.

Six months later, all patients achieved favorable esthetic results and gingival margins were healthy and stable.

When the diagnostic procedures reveal alveolar bone crest levels approximating the CEJ, apically positioned flap procedure with osseous resection is indicated.