I've always been a bit insecure about my smile because, um, when I laugh or smile really big, my gums tend to show quite a bit. I know it's probably not that noticeable to others, but to me it feels super obvious and kinda awkward. I'm trying to get more comfortable with it and smile naturally in photos without overthinking it. Has anyone dealt with this sort of thing before or found ways to feel better about it?
"I'm trying to get more comfortable with it and smile naturally in photos without overthinking it."
Have you ever looked into gum contouring or talked to a dentist about it? I've heard from friends who've done it that it's pretty straightforward and can make a noticeable difference.
I've heard about gum contouring too, but honestly, sometimes it's just about getting used to your own smile. My daughter had the same insecurity—over time, she just stopped noticing it as much. Maybe give yourself a bit more time before considering procedures?
"Maybe give yourself a bit more time before considering procedures?"
That's solid advice. I've been through something similar myself—used to feel pretty self-conscious about my gums showing when I smiled big. At first, I was seriously considering gum contouring too, but my dentist suggested waiting and seeing how I felt after a while. I'm glad I listened because eventually, it just stopped bothering me as much. Sometimes we're our own harshest critics, noticing things others hardly pay attention to.
That said, if after some time you still feel uncomfortable, it wouldn't hurt to have a consultation with a dentist or periodontist who specializes in aesthetic treatments. They can give you a clearer idea of what's involved and whether it's really necessary for your situation. But definitely don't rush into anything—give yourself space to see if your perspective changes naturally over time.
My daughter had a similar issue—she was really bothered by her gums showing when she laughed. We talked to our dentist about it, and he basically said the same thing others mentioned here: wait it out a bit before jumping into any procedures. She was pretty skeptical at first, but after a while, she just stopped noticing it as much. I think part of it was just growing into her features more and partly just getting used to it.
But if it keeps bothering you, there's nothing wrong with getting an opinion from someone who specializes in cosmetic dentistry. At least then you'd know your options clearly. Just make sure you're doing it for yourself and not because you think other people notice or care. Most of the time, they really don't.
