A cosmetic smile makeover is not one procedure — it’s a customised treatment plan that combines two or more cosmetic dental treatments to improve the overall appearance and function of your smile. Rather than fixing a single tooth, a makeover looks at the whole smile, including tooth colour, shape, alignment, and how your teeth relate to your lips and face.
What Treatments Are Included in a Smile Makeover?
The treatments used depend on your goals, but a smile makeover commonly combines:
| Treatment | What It Fixes | Typical Result Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain veneers | Uneven, chipped, or discoloured teeth | 2–3 visits |
| Porcelain crowns | Damaged or structurally weak teeth | 2–3 visits |
| Teeth whitening | Staining and discolouration | Visible after 1 session |
| Invisalign | Gaps, crowding, bite issues | 6–18 months |
| Dermal fillers | Fine lines around the mouth (facial complement) | Immediate |
How Much Does a Smile Makeover Cost in Auckland?
Smile makeovers at My Dental Implants start from $10,000, using premium porcelain veneers and/or crowns. The final price depends on:
- How many teeth are being treated
- Which treatments are combined (e.g., whitening + veneers vs. Invisalign + crowns)
- Whether restorations are made in-house
An exact quote requires a consultation and assessment, since no two smiles need the same plan.
Is a Smile Makeover Painful?
No — most cosmetic makeover treatments involve little to no pain. Veneers and crowns are done under local anaesthetic, whitening is non-invasive, and Invisalign involves no surgery. Most patients describe the process as more time-consuming than painful.
How Long Does a Smile Makeover Take?
- Whitening only: 1 visit
- Veneers or crowns: Usually 2–3 visits over 2–4 weeks
- Invisalign: 6–18 months depending on how much movement is needed
- Combined makeover (e.g. Invisalign + veneers): Several months, staged so alignment is finished before veneers are placed
Are Smile Makeover Results Permanent?
Porcelain veneers and crowns typically last 10–15+ years with good oral hygiene and don’t stain like natural enamel. Teeth whitening results usually last 6–24 months depending on diet and habits (coffee, tea, red wine, smoking). Invisalign results are permanent if a retainer is worn as recommended afterward.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Smile Makeover?
You may be a good candidate if you have:
- Discoloured or stained teeth that whitening alone can’t fix
- Chipped, worn, or uneven teeth
- Gaps or mild-to-moderate crowding
- Good overall gum and tooth health (no untreated decay or gum disease)
Patients with active gum disease or untreated decay usually need that addressed first before cosmetic work begins.
What Happens at a Smile Makeover Consultation?
- Examination of teeth, gums, and bite
- Discussion of what you want to change about your smile
- A treatment plan combining the relevant options
- A fixed quote based on your specific plan
Consultations at My Dental Implants are done by Dr AJ Salman and the team, who assess facial shape and lip line alongside the teeth to design a result that looks natural rather than “overdone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 Does a smile makeover always include implants?
Ans. No. Implants are only included if you’re missing teeth. Most makeovers use veneers, crowns, whitening, or Invisalign on existing teeth.
Q.2 Can I do just whitening instead of a full makeover?
Ans. Yes — whitening alone is an option if staining is your only concern. A full makeover is only needed if you’re also addressing shape, alignment, or damage.
Q.3 Will my smile makeover look natural?
Ans. When planned properly, yes. Natural-looking results come from matching veneer/crown shade and shape to your face and lips, not from choosing the whitest, most uniform option available.
