A smile makeover is a personalized combination of cosmetic and restorative dental procedures designed to improve the appearance of teeth, gums, and bite. Unlike a single procedure, a smile makeover is a coordinated treatment plan addressing multiple concerns in a defined sequence, typically developed over one or two consultations.
What a Smile Makeover Includes
No two smile makeovers are identical. The treatment plan is determined by each patient's clinical baseline, existing oral health, bite function, gum condition, and bone structure, alongside their aesthetic goals. Common procedures include:
- Teeth whitening, establishes baseline shade before other cosmetic work
- Porcelain veneers, corrects color, shape, length, chips, and minor gaps
- Dental implants, replaces missing teeth at the root level
- Porcelain crowns, rebuilds damaged or heavily restored teeth
- Composite bonding, minor chip repair and gap closure in a single visit
- Laser gum contouring, rebalances gumline symmetry and corrects a gummy smile
- Invisalign and clear aligners, corrects alignment before or instead of veneers
See the full breakdown: what procedures are included in a smile makeover?
The Consultation Process
The smile makeover begins with a comprehensive clinical assessment: X-rays, periodontal probing, bite evaluation, and clinical photography. Oral health issues, decay, gum disease, failing restorations, must be resolved before cosmetic work begins. A consultation that proceeds directly to cosmetic treatment planning without this evaluation is a clinical shortcut that compromises long-term outcomes.
Dr. Anne Gershkowitz and Dr. Daniel Nejat at Sola Dental Spa use digital smile design to create a photorealistic preview of the proposed outcome, giving patients a clear picture of results before any preparation begins.
Timeline and Duration
The duration depends on which procedures are included:
- Minimal makeover (whitening plus bonding), 1 to 2 visits
- Moderate makeover (veneers plus whitening), 4 to 8 weeks
- Comprehensive makeover (implants plus veneers plus gum contouring), 6 to 18 months
Cost Range
Smile makeover costs vary based on procedure count, materials, and complexity. Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. Typical per-procedure ranges:
- Teeth whitening: $300-$1,000
- Porcelain veneers: $925-$2,500 per tooth
- Dental implants: $3,000-$7,000 per tooth
- Dental crowns: $1,000-$3,500
- Gum contouring: $400-$3,000
- Clear aligners: $3,000-$8,000
- Full makeover (multiple procedures): $10,000-$50,000+
CareCredit and in-house payment plans are available at Sola Dental Spa. For detailed cost guidance, see how much does a smile makeover cost?
Oral Health Benefits
The cosmetic results of a smile makeover carry underlying clinical benefits. Veneers seal chipped surfaces prone to fracture progression. Implants halt jawbone resorption at the site of the missing tooth. Correcting bite misalignment reduces uneven wear on remaining teeth. Addressing these structural issues as part of an aesthetic plan produces outcomes that are both visually and clinically superior to cosmetic work performed in isolation.
References
- MouthHealthy (ADA), Veneers
- AACD, Smile Makeovers
- AAID, Dental Implants