A smile makeover is a comprehensive approach to improving the appearance of your smile—often combining multiple treatments like veneers, bonding, whitening, or orthodontics to create a cohesive, natural-looking result. It's a significant investment, and it's natural to wonder: Am I a good candidate? The answer depends on your oral health, your goals, and your expectations. Here's what typically makes someone a good candidate—and what the evaluation process looks like.
Good Oral Health Is the Foundation
Before any cosmetic work, your teeth and gums need to be healthy. Gum disease, untreated decay, or active infection can compromise the success of veneers, bonding, or other procedures. If you have underlying issues, those will typically be addressed first. Think of it as building on a solid foundation. A thorough exam and any necessary treatment set you up for the best possible outcome.
Realistic Goals and Expectations
A smile makeover can achieve dramatic improvements—but it won't give you someone else's smile. The goal is to enhance your smile in a way that looks natural and fits your face. Good candidates have clear ideas about what bothers them (discoloration, gaps, shape, alignment) and are open to their dentist's professional input on what's achievable and what will look best.
Common Concerns That Smile Makeovers Address
Smile makeovers are well-suited for people who want to improve:
- Stained or discolored teeth — Especially when whitening alone isn't enough
- Gaps between teeth — From minor spacing to more noticeable diastemas
- Chipped, worn, or uneven teeth — Reshaping for a more balanced look
- Crooked or misaligned teeth — When orthodontics isn't desired or is combined with other treatments
- Short or gummy smiles — Adjusting tooth length or gum contour for better proportion
- A combination of issues — When multiple concerns need to be addressed together
What the Evaluation Involves
A smile makeover consultation typically includes:
- Discussion of your goals — What would you like to change? What does your ideal smile look like?
- Examination of your teeth and gums — Are they healthy? What's the current state of your restorations?
- Assessment of your bite — How do your teeth come together? Are there functional concerns to address?
- Review of options — Veneers, bonding, whitening, orthodontics, or a combination
- Imaging or mock-ups — Some practices use digital smile design to show you a preview of possible results
This process helps you and your dentist create a plan that's tailored to you.
Who Might Not Be a Candidate (Yet)
You might need to address other issues first if you have:
- Active gum disease
- Untreated decay or infection
- Severe bite problems that require orthodontic or surgical correction first
- Habits like grinding that could damage new restorations (these can often be managed with a night guard)
These aren't necessarily disqualifiers—they're often just steps that need to come first.
The Next Step
The only way to know for sure if you're a candidate is to schedule a consultation. Bring your questions, your goals, and an open mind. Your dentist can evaluate your situation, explain your options, and help you decide whether a smile makeover is right for you—and what it could look like.