This particular case needed a variety of different procedures done to achieve the desired outcome.  The lateral incisors (the teeth next to the two front teeth) were too short and a darker color than the teeth next to them.  Also, the gum ratios were not even.  First, this patient had to bleach her teeth to her desired overall shade.   Next, Porcelain veneers were placed on the lateral incisors.  Then, some grafts were done on the gums to even out the gum line. This patient continues to bleach her teeth to maintain the overall appearance. 

Grafts can be done by moving the gum tissue to enhance the cosmetics of the teeth.  Notice before, the gold crown has receeded along the gum line.  Originally, the margin edge of the crown was hidden tucked under the gums.  Over the years, a persons gums will sometimes recede and pull back, often exposing the edges of crowns.  Here, a graft was done to bring the gum back up, eliminating the edge of the crown from sight.  Notice the after picture of the molar shows no margin.  The after pictures also show plump, healthy, tissue around the crown.

These crowns have been in use now for approximately 20 years.  I have seen some of these go over 50 years.  Gold is still the best but we don't use it towards the front of the mouth because of the obvious esthetic concern.