Sometimes, those cosmetic options aren’t just about vanity—they can actually help with self-esteem if it’s really bugging you.
Totally get where you’re coming from. I see a lot of folks who feel the same way, and for some, a little tweak here or there really does make a difference in how they feel day to day. Confidence is great, but sometimes you need that extra boost—and that’s perfectly valid.
I’ve spent most of my life hiding my gums when I laugh—used to joke that my smile had more “scenery” than my backyard. But honestly, after my second bridge, I just stopped caring as much. If a little procedure helps someone feel better, I say go for it. But sometimes, learning to own your smile (gums and all) can be pretty freeing too.
Funny, I used to be super self-conscious about my gums too—my dentist called it a “gummy smile,” which sounded way cuter than it felt. After years of orthodontics and one crown later, I realized most people don’t notice nearly as much as we think they do. Did you ever consider gum contouring, or was it more about just getting used to it? I still catch myself covering my mouth sometimes, but honestly, the freedom of just laughing without worrying is worth more than any procedure for me.
Yeah, “gummy smile” definitely sounds cuter than it feels when you’re the one thinking about it every time you laugh. I actually did look into gum contouring at one point, but the idea of someone messing with my gums made me way more anxious than just living with them. Funny thing is, after braces, I started noticing my teeth way more than my gums anyway. Do you ever feel like all the stuff we worry about is just in our own heads? I still catch myself doing that awkward half-smile in photos sometimes... old habits die hard, I guess.
Do you ever feel like all the stuff we worry about is just in our own heads?
Honestly, yes. I overthink my smile constantly, especially after my dentist once casually mentioned “excess gum tissue.” Ever since, it’s like I can’t unsee it. I almost booked a gum contouring consult but freaked out at the last minute—just couldn’t handle the idea of someone poking around up there. I still do that weird half-smile thing too, even though friends say they don’t notice. It’s wild how much we get stuck in our own heads about this stuff.