Tricks for feeling good about a “toothy” smile?

I really struggle with this too. I always feel like my smile is too “big” and it makes me super self-conscious, especially when I see pictures later. Even though people say not to worry, it’s hard to just switch that off. I get anxious about even being in group photos because I’m worried everyone will notice how much gum is showing.

You mentioned tilting your head, which I’ve tried, but sometimes I feel like I look kind of awkward or like I’m trying too hard. Does anyone else feel like certain lighting or camera angles make it worse? I swear, sometimes I’ll see a photo and it’s not bad at all, but other times it’s all I can focus on.

Has anyone actually talked to their dentist about this? I keep wondering if it’s something I should bring up, or if it’s just me overthinking. I know self-acceptance is important, but it’s tough when you’re stuck in your own head about it.

Has anyone actually talked to their dentist about this? I keep wondering if it’s something I should bring up, or if it’s just me overthinking.

Honestly, I’ve thought about asking my dentist too, but then I remember the price tag on anything cosmetic and suddenly my “big” smile doesn’t seem so bad. I totally get the self-conscious thing though - I used to dread group photos because all I could see was gum. It’s wild how lighting can make or break a picture. Sometimes I look at a photo and think, “Wait, is that even me?” Other times it’s like my gums are having their own party.

I know people say “just own it,” but that’s way easier said than done. Still, every time I see celebrities with big toothy grins (Julia Roberts comes to mind), I try to remind myself it’s not as huge a deal as my brain makes it out to be. If you do end up talking to your dentist, maybe ask if there are any low-cost tricks - mine once suggested just practicing different smiles in the mirror (awkward at first, but kind of helps). In the meantime, you’re definitely not alone in this weird photo struggle.

I’ve definitely brought this up with my dentist before, and honestly, it was a little awkward at first. I remember just blurting out, “Why do my gums show so much when I smile?” and bracing myself for some complicated (and expensive) explanation. Turns out, a lot of it just comes down to genetics and the way your lips move when you smile. My dentist did mention there are procedures for it - like gum contouring or even Botox in some cases - but as soon as we started talking numbers, I realized it wasn’t something I wanted to jump into lightly.

One thing I learned is that dentists see this stuff all the time. They’re not judging - they just lay out your options. Mine actually showed me how changing the angle of your face in photos can make a huge difference. Sounds silly, but next time you’re about to take a picture, try tilting your head down just a bit or smiling softer (not the full-on toothy grin). It’s weird how much it changes what shows up in the photo.

I get being self-conscious, though. For years, I’d cover my mouth when laughing or talking in groups because I thought everyone was staring at my gums. Looking back now, nobody else cared - people are usually too focused on their own insecurities. But if it really bothers you, no harm in asking your dentist what’s possible within your budget. Sometimes they have ideas that aren’t as pricey as you think - my hygienist suggested whitening strips just to boost my confidence a bit, and honestly that helped more than I expected.

Mirror practice sounds goofy but it actually works after a while. You start figuring out what looks natural for you instead of forcing yourself to smile like someone else. Also, not sure if this is helpful, but switching up lipstick shades (if that’s your thing) can draw attention away from gums and toward teeth.

At the end of the day, I’m still not thrilled every time I see an “all gums” photo of myself… but it doesn’t bug me nearly as much as it used to. Most people are way less critical than we are of ourselves anyway.

That’s interesting about the photo angles - never actually thought about that before. I’ve always just tried to “smile less” in group pics, but it honestly ends up looking forced or awkward. The mirror practice idea is new to me too... kind of feels silly, but maybe it’s worth a shot if it helps you get used to how you look.

I’m curious about the whitening strips thing - did you notice a big difference in how you felt, or was it more just a small boost? I’ve wondered if making my teeth look brighter would distract from my gums, but I’m not sure if it’d just make everything stand out more. Also, did your dentist mention if the gum contouring or Botox was permanent, or would it need to be redone every so often? I’m a little wary of jumping into something expensive that doesn’t last.

Honestly, I’ve thought about bringing it up again at my next appointment, but I always chicken out because I assume they’ll try to upsell me on stuff. Did you feel any pressure, or was it just a casual conversation? I get that most people probably don’t notice as much as I do, but it bugs me enough that I keep thinking about it. Would love to know if anyone here actually went through with one of the procedures and if it was worth it in the end.

Weirdly enough, my kid’s dentist actually brought up the gum thing before I got a chance to (I was too nervous, honestly). They said the Botox isn’t permanent - maybe 3-4 months? Gum contouring lasts longer but sounded kind of intense. I’m super cautious about anything that needs redoing, especially for a teen. Whitening strips helped my daughter feel a bit more confident, but honestly, it’s a small boost. I totally get being anxious about the upsell too... I always worry they’ll suggest stuff we don’t really need.