When you’re thinking of improving your smile, you may not be sure what it is you want done or what treatment to get, to achieve the result you want to have.
A smile makeover is a personalised approach to improving the appearance of your teeth and gums. Rather than a single procedure, a smile makeover treatment may involve several cosmetic and restorative options working together to achieve a balanced and favoured result.
Your first consultation about your smile makeover plays a key role in setting expectations, understanding your options, and developing a treatment plan that suits your oral health, lifestyle, and goals.
If you are considering a cosmetic dentistry smile makeover, here is what to discuss with your dentist at the very first visit.
What Is a Smile Makeover?
From the name itself, a smile makeover focuses on improving the look of your teeth. Whether it may be the colour, shape, alignment, and overall harmony of your smile. Each full smile makeover is customised and may include treatments such as veneers, crowns, bonding, teeth whitening, or gum contouring.
Unlike general dentistry, a smile makeover combines dental health principles with smile design. This ensures the result is not only attractive but also functional and long-lasting.
Because of that, it’s important that you discuss these treatments in detail with a qualified dentist to come up with a clear plan for your smile makeover procedure. Here are seven aspects you need to discuss with your dentist before moving forward with the procedure.
1. Your Smile Goals and Concerns
The first part of your smile makeover consultation should focus on you. Your dentist will ask what you like and dislike about your smile and what changes you are hoping to achieve.
Some of the helpful topics we usually get at Bellevue Hill Dental include:
- Tooth colour or staining
- Chipped, worn, or uneven teeth
- Gaps or crowding
- Old fillings or dental work you would like updated
- Gum shape or a “gummy” smile
Bringing photos of smiles you like can also help communicate your preferences clearly. This discussion allows your dentist to align treatment options with your expectations from the beginning.
2. Your Oral Health Assessment
Before cosmetic treatments are considered, your dentist will also have to assess your overall oral health. This may include checking for tooth decay, gum disease, bite issues, or signs of teeth grinding.
According to Health Direct, untreated gum disease or decay can affect the long-term success of cosmetic dental treatments. Addressing these concerns first helps create a stable foundation for any smile makeover procedure.
Your dentist may recommend preventative or restorative care first before proceeding with cosmetic options.
3. Smile Makeover Treatment Options
A key part of your first appointment is understanding which treatments may suit your smile. Some of the common options include:
Veneers, Crowns, or Bonding
- Veneers are thin shells that cover the front of teeth to improve colour and shape
- Crowns restore strength and appearance for damaged teeth
- Bonding uses tooth-coloured resin for minor repairs
Discussing veneers vs crowns vs bonding helps clarify which option best suits your needs, budget, and tooth structure.
Teeth Whitening Options
Professional teeth whitening may be recommended on its own or as part of a broader plan. Your dentist can explain the appropriate teeth whitening options in Australia, which usually include in-chair and take-home treatments.
Opting for professional whitening is considered safe only when supervised by a dental professional.
Gum Contouring and Smile Aesthetics
If uneven or excess gum tissue affects your smile, gum contouring may be discussed. This treatment can help improve the balance between teeth and gums and is sometimes included in smile makeover planning.
4. Digital Smile Design and Planning
Many cosmetic dentists use dental smile design tools to plan outcomes before treatment begins. This may include digital imaging, photographs, or mock-ups to visualise changes.
This planning stage helps you understand what your smile may look like after treatment and allows adjustments before any permanent procedures are started. It also supports informed decision-making and realistic expectations.
5. Timeline and Treatment Stages
A smile makeover treatment plan may be completed in one visit or spread over several appointments, depending on the procedures involved.
You can always ask your dentist about:
- How long each stage may take
- Whether treatments are done in phases
- Healing or adjustment periods between visits
Understanding the timeline of your treatments helps you plan around work, social events, or special occasions.
6. Costs and Financial Considerations
Smile makeover costs in Australia may vary depending on the treatment, complexity of the case, experience and skills of the dentist, and other factors. Discussing this early on helps avoid surprises.
Your dentist should be able to explain the estimated costs of each treatment, what is included, and whether payment plans are available in their dental clinic to help you with your decision.
Cosmetic dental procedures and even general dental services are not covered by Medicare, but private health insurance may contribute in some cases. Medicare may only cover dental expenses when they are hospital-related and under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).
A written treatment plan allows you to review costs and options at your own pace.
7. Questions to Ask Your Cosmetic Dentist
Your first visit is also your opportunity to ask all the questions you have for your dentist. Consider asking:
- What treatment options suit my smile goals?
- What are the benefits and limitations of each option?
- How long will results typically last with proper care?
- What maintenance will be required?
- Are there alternatives if I prefer a more conservative approach?
Open communication helps build trust and ensures you feel confident moving forward.
Planning Your Cosmetic Dentistry Smile Makeover
Planning a smile makeover, or any other dental treatment, should always begin with a thorough, personalised consultation. By discussing your goals, oral health, treatment options, and costs at the first visit, you can make informed decisions that support both your smile and your long-term dental health.
If you are considering a smile makeover in Bellevue Hill, learn more about the process and available options with Bellevue Hill Dental. Our dental team is ready to help you achieve your desired smile.
Book your appointment for a well-planned consultation and customised treatment plan for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a smile makeover?
A smile makeover is a personalised treatment plan designed to improve the appearance of your teeth and gums. It may involve one or more cosmetic dental procedures such as veneers, crowns, bonding, teeth whitening, or gum contouring, depending on your needs and goals.
What happens during a smile makeover consultation?
During a smile makeover consultation, your dentist will discuss your smile concerns, assess your oral health, take photographs or scans if needed, and explain suitable treatment options. This appointment helps create a tailored treatment plan based on your dental health, preferences, and lifestyle.
Do I need to have good oral health before a smile makeover?
Ideally, yes. Your dentist will first check for issues such as tooth decay or gum disease. Addressing oral health concerns before cosmetic treatment helps support safer and longer-lasting results.
How long does a smile makeover take?
The length of a smile makeover varies. Some treatments may be completed in a single visit, while others may take several appointments over weeks or months. Your dentist will explain the expected timeline during your consultation.
How much does a smile makeover cost in Australia?
Smile makeover costs in Australia vary depending on the type and number of treatments involved. Factors include treatment complexity, materials used, and the dentist’s expertise. A written treatment plan is usually provided after your consultation, so you can review costs clearly.
Is a smile makeover covered by Medicare or health insurance?
Medicare generally does not cover cosmetic dental treatments. However, some private health insurance policies may offer limited rebates for certain procedures. Your dentist can help clarify this during your visit.
At Bellevue Hill Dental, we’re able to offer a payment plan for our patients for their smile makeover and other dental services.
What questions should I ask my dentist at my first smile makeover visit?
You may wish to ask about suitable treatment options, expected outcomes, treatment longevity, maintenance requirements, alternatives, timelines, and costs. Asking questions helps you make informed decisions and feel confident about your treatment plan.
