“During my 5 years specialty training in Boston I was fortunate enough to study under the prosthodontist that wrote the definitive text book printed in multiple languages around the world by many a cosmetic dentist on smile makeovers and porcelain restorations. In the following decade I honed this skill in Beverly Hills and the Malibu area of California.” — Dr. Sam Sherif
What Is a Smile Makeover?
Rather than focusing on a single tooth, a smile makeover typically involves improving several teeth — often eight to ten in one arch — to create a balanced, natural-looking result that feels right for you. A smile makeover may include porcelain veneers, composite bonding, teeth whitening, and clear aligners, depending on your needs.
Each plan is designed in close collaboration with the patient to ensure comfort, clarity, and beautiful, natural proportions.
Who Is This Treatment For?
A smile makeover may be suitable if you want to:
- Improve the colour, symmetry or shape of multiple teeth
- Correct uneven, worn, chipped or short teeth
- Close gaps or refine mild misalignment
- Enhance the brightness and vitality of your smile
- Achieve a more harmonious smile that complements your features
- Update older restorations that no longer suit your appearance
It may not be suitable if:
- Active gum disease is present
- There is untreated decay or infection
- You are seeking a result outside the limits of natural tooth structure
- Certain health conditions affect healing or suitability
Treatment Options
Every smile makeover is unique, but commonly includes a combination of:
Porcelain veneers — long-lasting, natural translucency, custom-designed shape and shade.
Composite bonding — minimally invasive, ideal for refining shape, completed in a single visit in many cases.
Teeth whitening — brightens the overall smile, often used before veneers or bonding to set a fresh baseline shade.
Clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign®) — straighten teeth discreetly, and help create a more balanced smile before veneers or bonding.
Step-by-Step Treatment Process
Consultation — a detailed consultation. You can share photos of smiles you like or reference results you aspire to. Dr. Sherif also takes digital photographs to design possible outcomes.
Smile design and planning — Dr. Sherif evaluates tooth proportion, symmetry, gum levels, bite, and facial balance. For porcelain veneers, a wax mock-up is created with a dental technician, similar to architectural plans before building a home. This allows you to preview the intended result before any changes are made. For Invisalign® or other clear aligners, advanced software maps tooth movement, showing the projected alignment and treatment duration.
Treatment appointment(s) — depending on your personalised plan, treatment might include veneer preparation, whitening, bonding, or beginning aligner therapy. The process can be completed in stages or condensed according to your needs.
Fitting and refinement — porcelain veneers are typically fitted a few days after preparation. Bonding and whitening adjustments are finalised during your visits. Clear aligners are monitored throughout.
Aftercare and follow-up — guidance on maintaining your new smile, including hygiene routines, aligner wear (if applicable), and lifestyle habits. Regular reviews help ensure your smile continues to feel comfortable and look natural.
How Long Do Results Last?
Smile makeover results can last for many years, depending on the type of treatments chosen, oral hygiene routines, diet and lifestyle, whether nighttime grinding occurs, and smoking or staining habits.
Porcelain veneers and clear aligners offer longer-lasting structural changes, while whitening and bonding may require periodic maintenance.
Aftercare and Maintenance
To maintain your new smile:
- Brush and floss daily
- Attend regular check-ups
- Avoid biting hard objects
- Reduce staining foods and drinks
- Use a night guard if you grind your teeth
- Maintain aligner or whitening top-ups as advised
