A smile makeover is a personalized plan that combines cosmetic and restorative treatments, such as porcelain veneers, whitening, bonding, crowns and implants, to change the color, shape and alignment of your smile. Smile design is the planning step: Dr. Hap V. Nguyen studies photos, your facial features and your bite so you can preview the result before treatment starts.
What is smile design?
Smile design is how we plan a makeover before any treatment begins. We look at how your teeth relate to your lips, face and gum line, and at tooth color, length, width and symmetry. Using photos and impressions or digital scans, we map out the changes and show you what your new smile could look like, so the result is planned, not guessed.
What a smile makeover can fix
- Stained, yellowed or uneven tooth color
- Chipped, cracked or worn-down teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Teeth that are too short, uneven or oddly shaped
- Missing teeth
- Old, dark or failing fillings and crowns
Treatments a makeover may include
| Treatment | What it does |
|---|---|
| Porcelain veneers | Reshape and brighten the front teeth |
| Professional whitening | Lightens natural tooth color |
| Cosmetic bonding | Repairs small chips and closes small gaps |
| All-ceramic crowns | Restore and strengthen damaged teeth |
| Dental implants | Replace missing teeth permanently |
| Tooth-colored fillings | Replace dark metal fillings |
Every plan is different. Some patients need only whitening and bonding; others combine veneers, crowns and implants. You’ll get a clear written plan and cost estimate before you decide.
What to expect, step by step
- Smile consultation: tell us what you’d like to change, then an exam of your teeth, gums and bite.
- Smile design: photos and impressions or scans to plan and preview your new smile.
- Your personalized plan with the treatment order, timeline and cost.
- Treatment, then final adjustments so your smile looks natural and your bite feels right.
We accept most dental insurance, including many Medicare Advantage dental plans, and offer financing through CareCredit and Cherry plus in-office payment plans. See payment options →
Frequently asked questions
How long does a smile makeover take?
It depends on the treatments. Whitening and bonding can be done in one or two visits. Porcelain veneers usually take two to three visits over a few weeks. Plans that include dental implants take several months because implants need time to heal.
Can I see my new smile before treatment?
Yes. Smile design uses photos and models or digital scans so you can preview the planned changes and give input before treatment starts.
How much does a smile makeover cost?
The cost depends on which treatments and how many teeth are involved. After your consultation we give you a written, itemized estimate. Cosmetic treatments are usually not covered by insurance, but restorative parts such as crowns sometimes are.
Will my smile look natural?
That is the goal of smile design. Tooth shape, length and shade are chosen to suit your face, lips and skin tone, so the result looks like your own teeth, only better.