A gummy smile is one of the most overlooked conditions in dentistry. Patients usually accept this condition thinking they just have short teeth. The problem, however, is not short teeth, but most often, excessive tissue. Excess gum tissue covers the unexposed enamel resulting in a gummy smile. Lifting the gums can make a dramatic improvement in the smile. The cosmetic dentist must be keenly aware of how the gums frame the teeth. The best aesthetic results will be achieved only if all components of the smile are properly evaluated and treated.