Surgical crown lengthening (SCL) is a predictable method of increasing the availability of supragingival tooth structure for biological, aesthetic and/or restorative reasons. However, the literature demonstrates a lack of precision when performing this common procedure due to a number of factors. Among those factors, the use of standardised measurements and reference points as well as the limitations inherent to the classical surgical protocol will be presented. This review discusses the importance of individualising supracrestal soft tissue dimensions during SCL interventions and the use of appropriate diagnostic tools while taking into account the phenotypic characteristics of the patient in both functional and esthetic crown lengthening.