Things to Know Before a Smile Makeover
Smile makeovers are the most-regretted irreversible cosmetic treatments we hear about. Priya put this checklist together so you can pre-empt the regret before any drilling starts.
1. Health first, cosmetics second
If you have active decay, gum disease or bite issues, those get fixed before the cosmetic plan starts. Anything else paints over a problem that will resurface in 3–5 years and ruin the cosmetic work along with it.
2. Reversible before irreversible
Try whitening before bonding. Try bonding before veneers. Try veneers before crowns. Each step preserves more of your natural tooth and leaves more options for the future. A clinic that jumps straight to “10 veneers” without discussing this ladder is the wrong clinic.
3. The plan needs to be in writing
Itemised, line-by-line costs. Sequenced timeline. What’s included, what’s a follow-up cost, what happens if you stop after stage 2. If you can’t get this in writing, you don’t have a plan — you have a sales pitch.
4. See work the same dentist has done
Stock photos and lab-supplied images don’t count. Ask to see before-and-after photos of cases the dentist who would treat you has personally done. Ideally photos of cases similar to yours. A confident clinician will have a portfolio.
5. Ask about failures
What’s the failure mode for this work? If a veneer chips in year 4, what’s the repair process and cost? If a crown gets decay underneath, what’s the rescue plan? A dentist who acts like nothing ever fails is hiding something.
6. Sleep on it
Anything irreversible deserves at least a week of reflection. A clinic that pressures you to “lock in this price today” is using a high-pressure sales tactic — not appropriate for permanent dental work. We can’t think of a single legitimate reason to make a same-day decision on cosmetic dentistry.
7. Get a second opinion
For any plan over $10,000, book a separate consultation at an unrelated practice for a second opinion. Some clinics will do this for the cost of an exam ($150–$250); some will do it free. Compare the two plans. If they line up, that’s reassuring. If they don’t, that’s information.
8. Plan the maintenance, not just the install
- Veneers and crowns aren’t lifetime products. Plan to replace at the 10–15 year mark.
- Whitening fades. Plan a top-up every 12–24 months.
- Composite bonding stains. Plan to repolish every 12 months.
- Wear a night guard if you grind. Cosmetic work fails fast when worn against unprotected teeth.
- Maintenance hygiene appointments every 6 months are essential — not optional — once cosmetic work is in.