How Carolina Frette’s “Silly Little Video” About Fixing Her Gummy Smile Reached Millions and Sparked Interest in Laser Gum Contouring
Sometimes the smallest changes can lead to the biggest boosts in confidence. For 23-year-old Carolina Frette, that change came in the form of a dental procedure known as a gingivectomy. For years, Carolina had lived with what’s often called a “gummy smile,” where more of the gums are visible than some people prefer when they smile. It wasn’t something that affected her health, but it was something that quietly affected how she felt about her appearance. When she finally decided to undergo a simple laser gum contouring treatment, she didn’t expect that decision to reach millions of people or spark such a wide conversation about beauty standards, self-image, and confidence.
Carolina’s journey began with what she herself described as a “silly little video” on TikTok. She casually shared her before-and-after experience with the procedure, showing how her smile looked before the treatment and how it appeared after. Her caption was lighthearted, even joking that she had “lasered off” her gums to get rid of her gummy smile. But to her surprise, the clip struck a chord. The video quickly went viral, drawing in over 1.5 million viewers and sparking thousands of comments from people who related to her story.
For many, it wasn’t just about the transformation of her teeth and gums. It was about the emotion behind it. Carolina radiated joy in her after video, and viewers noticed. One comment simply said, “You look happier now,” and Carolina’s reply summed up everything she felt in that moment: “Thanks, I lasered off my gums to get rid of my gummy smile.” What came across wasn’t vanity but relief—the kind of comfort that comes when an insecurity that has followed you for years is suddenly lifted.
The procedure she underwent, gingivectomy or laser gum contouring, is not new. Dentists and cosmetic professionals have offered it for years to reshape gum lines and create a more balanced look between the teeth and gums. But what Carolina’s story highlighted was how accessible it has become and how transformative it can feel for those who have struggled with self-consciousness. By sharing her personal experience, she opened the door for others who had considered it but hesitated out of fear, cost, or lack of information.
The comments on her video reflected a mix of curiosity and encouragement. Some people asked for details about the procedure, wanting to know if it hurt, how much it cost, and how long the recovery took. Others shared their own insecurities, saying they had always hidden their smiles in photos or avoided laughing too much in public because of the way their gums looked. For them, Carolina’s video wasn’t just entertainment—it was reassurance that they weren’t alone and that solutions existed.
What stood out most in her story, though, was the honesty. Carolina never pretended that her smile was “bad” before or that people needed to change themselves to be accepted. She simply explained that for her, this was something she had wanted to do to feel better about herself. That distinction matters in a world where cosmetic procedures can sometimes be framed in ways that pressure people into altering their appearance. Carolina’s story was different because it was about choice, self-love, and empowerment.
It’s not unusual for a single TikTok video to go viral, but it is unusual for it to spark such meaningful discussions about self-confidence and identity. Carolina didn’t expect her story to resonate so widely, yet it did because it touched on something universal. Almost everyone has something they feel insecure about, something they wish they could change. Seeing someone make a small, safe, and intentional change—and then embrace it so happily—reminded people that sometimes taking that step can be worth it.
Her journey also shows how social media can do more than entertain. It can educate, connect, and even inspire people to take control of their happiness in their own unique ways. For Carolina, the viral moment was a bonus, but the real reward was being able to look in the mirror and smile without hesitation. That simple act, which many people take for granted, became a milestone for her.
In the end, her story is not just about teeth or gums. It’s about the way small adjustments can transform how we see ourselves and, in turn, how we live our daily lives. Carolina Frette didn’t just change her smile—she changed the way she carried herself, the way she shared her happiness, and the way she inspired others to consider embracing their own confidence. Her “silly little video” turned out to be anything but silly. It was a reminder that joy can come from the smallest of changes, and that sometimes, all it takes to feel lighter is to finally let yourself smile without holding back.
