Extensive exposure of the gingiva during a smile, called excessive gingival display, may be a point of concern for both patients and clinicians. Patients often present to the dental clinic seeking a solution to their "gummy" appearance. A clinician must fully understand the various factors involved in this situation, to provide patients with an appropriate answer. Thorough examination followed by the right diagnosis is imperative for achieving an esthetic and predictable result in the treatment of such situations. The aim of this article is to discuss the various aspects of excessive gingival display and its etiology and to present the current solutions that exist in the literature. Keywords: altered passive eruption, diagnosis, etiology, excessive gingival display, gummy smile, vertical maxillary excess (VME)