An esthetic smile is a common cosmetic concern in the dental field. Excessive gingival display (EGD), also called gummy smile (GS), is one of the main complaints related to an unsatisfying dental smile; it is said to be present when the gingival display exceeds 4 mm. The dental smile is achieved by a harmonious relationship between the size, shape, arrangement, and color of the anterior teeth; lip framework; and gingival contour. Altered passive eruption (AEP) is characterized by short square-shaped teeth occuring when the gingiva covers the crown of the teeth excessively. Altered passive eruption is one of the causes of GS along with maxillary lip length, bony maxillary excess, hyperactive upper lip, anterior dentoalveolar extrusion, and vertical maxillary excess. There are various options for periodontal management of EGD, such as surgical or laser gingivectomy, esthetic crown lengthening, forced eruption, lip repositioning surgery, use of Botox, or a combination of these. The aim of this paper is to review main etiologies and for proper diagnosis before the clinician can settle on the management. Dental professionals should also outline the principles of an acceptable esthetic smile, which should be the target of each GS correction procedure.