Smile Makeovers: What’s Included & Are They Worth It?

A smile makeover combines cosmetic and restorative dental treatments tailored to individual goals, typically including teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, bonding, implants, and orthodontics. In Australia, costs range from $5,000 to $30,000 depending on treatments chosen, with porcelain veneers costing up to $2,036 per tooth and composite veneers around $836 per tooth according to the 2020 National Dental Fee Survey. The Dental Board of Australia emphasises that cosmetic procedures like veneers are major life-long undertakings requiring informed consent, realistic expectations, and adequate consideration time. Most Australian health funds and Medicare do not cover cosmetic treatments deemed elective, though some procedures like orthodontics may be partially rebatable. Benefits extend beyond aesthetics: improved confidence, better oral hygiene (straight teeth are easier to clean), and enhanced functionality. Payment plans and financing options make treatments more accessible. Teeth.org.au, managed by the Australian Dental Association, recommends patients ask critical questions about health, financial, and long-term risks before proceeding with any cosmetic dental procedure.

In today’s world, everyone is seeking that perfect, confident smile but not everyone is lucky enough to have naturally straight, white teeth.

This is where smile makeovers come in, consisting of cosmetic and restorative dental treatments to help achieve your desired look. But what does treatment actually involve, and is it really worth it?

Here, we will dig deeper regarding all things cosmetic dentistry, to help you decide whether taking the plunge is a worthwhile investment.

What is a Smile Makeover?

A smile makeover can be defined by a number of cosmetic and restorative dental treatments designed to improve the appearance of your teeth.

The beauty of a smile makeover is that they are tailored to suit your specific situation and goals, so each treatment will differ for each patient. A smile makeover does not just target one concern, but multiple at once to achieve the desired result.

6 Common Procedures Included in a Smile Makeover

A smile makeover can include a vast number of procedures, but let’s take a look at the most popular treatments provided:

• Teeth whitening: Professional teeth whitening via your dentist can improve your overall look by brightening your teeth by multiple shades, giving off that instant wow factor.
• Veneers: Veneers fully cover the front of your teeth, improving their appearance dramatically. The shape, size and colour of your teeth can be fully tailored to suit your mouth and preferences, and they are made via thin porcelain or composite shells that are designed to look both natural and beautiful.
• Crowns: Dental crowns can be placed over damaged or stained teeth to both improve their appearance and strengthen the existing tooth.
• Bonding: Dental bonding involves a natural looking resin to fill in chips, cracks or close minor gaps within the teeth, which creates a more unified look.
• Implants: Dental implants can be provided to fill in missing teeth, which will improve your appearance and also provides a functional benefit.
• Orthodontics: Braces or clear aligners can be worn to correct crooked or misaligned teeth.

The Consultation and Planning Process

For a smile makeover to be successful, it is vital to have a proper consultation with your dentist. Here, you will discuss your current concerns and future goals. During the planning process you can expect the following:

1. Oral exam: Your dentist will check your teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy before offering treatment, and will assess for any cosmetic concerns.
2. Photographs: Pictures or scans will then be taken of your mouth to get a full picture of your current teeth.
3. Discussion: This is the time when you can inform your dentist of your issues and how you would like your teeth to look following the makeover.
4. Plan your treatment: Your dentist will go through the most suitable treatment options for your needs and budget. Making sure to inform you fully on the process, timeline and cost.
5. Digital smile design: Many dentists now use modern technology to show you an image of what your teeth will look like after the makeover, giving you the chance to make any changes and approve your smile before any work takes place.

Designing Your Ideal Smile: Factors Considered

As we have previously mentioned, each smile makeover will differ, due to a number of reasons including your current situation, required outcomes and budget.

Instead of applying a one-size-fits-all treatment plan, your dentist will assess the following to achieve a more natural outcome:

1. Face size and shape: It’s essential to make sure that your new smile is properly proportioned to your face.
2. Tooth shade: Improving the colour of your teeth is great, but it’s also important to make sure they look natural.
3. Alignment: A smile makeover will often include correcting misalignment of the teeth, and this will differ with each person.

Benefits of a Smile Makeover: Beyond Aesthetics

Having a smile that you’re proud to show off is one thing, but there are a number of other benefits that a smile makeover can bring:

1. Improved confidence: Feeling satisfied with the appearance of your teeth will boost your self-confidence and make you feel better in social situations.
2. Better oral health: Straightening crooked teeth enables you to brush more effectively, resulting in better oral health and a lower risk of tooth decay.
3. Increased functionality: Dental crowns, implants or replacement teeth will improve their strength and support chewing.

Cost, Time Commitment, and Potential Downsides

As with every decision, there are a few potential downsides to consider. Here’s what you need to think about:

• Cost: The price of a smile makeover will vary depending on your chosen treatments; however, it is something many people have to save for. In Australia, smile makeover costs typically range from $5,000 to $30,000 depending on the complexity and number of treatments involved. According to the 2020 National Dental Fee Survey, porcelain veneers can cost up to $2,036 per tooth, while composite veneers are less expensive at up to $836 per tooth. Most Australian health funds and Medicare do not cover cosmetic dentistry treatments as they are deemed elective, though some procedures like orthodontic treatment may be eligible for partial rebates.
• Time: Some procedures can be completed in just one visit, however, the majority require a lot of time commitment to achieve, like braces for example.
• Ongoing maintenance: Many treatments will require additional maintenance to keep your teeth looking their best, such as getting your teeth whitened regularly.
• Sensitivity: Some extensive treatments can make a person’s teeth or gums become more sensitive or irritable.

Is a Smile Makeover Right for You? Making an Informed Decision

Thanks to modern treatment methods, smile makeovers provide a fantastic, safe route to obtaining the smile you have always dreamed about. However, a full makeover is not for everyone, and there can be a number of barriers in the way, including possible extensive costs and the time commitment involved.

Although there are a few co-existing oral health benefits, a smile makeover only focuses on the appearance of your teeth, and not directly improve your oral health.

Therefore, it is important for your teeth and gums to be healthy before starting any cosmetic treatment, or alternatively, you must be willing to fix any concerns first, before going ahead with a smile makeover. The Dental Board of Australia urges patients to exercise caution with cosmetic dental procedures, emphasising that treatments like veneers are major life-long undertakings that are not risk-free. Patients should ask themselves critical questions including “Why do I want this procedure?” and “What are the health, financial and other risks?” to ensure they are properly informed before proceeding.

So, is it a worthwhile experience? Assess your options via a consultation with your dentist, as the answer will vary for each person.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does a smile makeover cost in Australia?

Smile makeover costs in Australia vary significantly based on the treatments required, ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 or more for comprehensive cases. According to the 2020 National Dental Fee Survey, individual procedure costs include: porcelain veneers at up to $2,036 per tooth, composite veneers at approximately $836 per tooth, professional teeth whitening from $500 to $1,500, dental implants from $3,000 to $5,500 per tooth, orthodontic treatments (clear aligners) from $3,000 to $9,000 depending on case complexity, dental crowns from $1,500 to $2,500 per tooth, and dental bonding starting from $525 per tooth. The final cost depends on your individual needs, the dentist’s experience, the quality of materials used, the complexity of your case, clinic location, and the number of procedures combined in your treatment plan.

Most Australian health funds and Medicare do not cover cosmetic dental procedures deemed elective, though some treatments like orthodontics may qualify for partial rebates depending on your level of cover. Many dental practices offer flexible payment plans, third-party financing options like Afterpay or medical credit services, and in-house payment arrangements requiring 20-50% deposit with the remainder spread over agreed periods to make smile makeovers more financially accessible.

Are smile makeovers covered by health insurance in Australia?

Generally, Australian health funds and Medicare do not provide coverage for smile makeover procedures because they are considered cosmetic or elective treatments rather than medically necessary. However, there are important exceptions and considerations. If a procedure addresses both cosmetic and functional concerns, such as dental crowns to repair damaged teeth, fillings for decay, or dental bonding for chipped teeth, you may be eligible for partial rebates through your private health insurance depending on your level of dental cover. Orthodontic treatment may also qualify for coverage under some policies, though coverage limits, waiting periods, annual maximums, and policy exclusions apply. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) provides up to $1,095 worth of dental care for eligible children under 18, but explicitly excludes orthodontic and cosmetic dental work.

If cosmetic procedures are deemed medically necessary due to injury, trauma affecting your ability to eat or speak, or medical conditions significantly impacting your health, your insurance may provide some coverage. To determine your specific coverage, contact your health fund provider with details about your planned procedures, review your policy’s dental coverage inclusions and exclusions, obtain a detailed treatment plan and cost estimate from your dentist, and request pre-approval if required by your policy. Many dental practices can assist with insurance verification and help you understand what portions, if any, of your smile makeover may be claimable.

What should I consider before getting a smile makeover?

Before committing to a smile makeover, the Dental Board of Australia recommends asking yourself critical questions to ensure informed decision-making. First, examine your motivations: Why do you want this procedure? Are your expectations realistic? What specific outcomes are you hoping to achieve? Consider the risks comprehensively, cosmetic procedures like veneers are major life-long undertakings that involve permanently altering tooth structure, potential sensitivity or complications, ongoing maintenance requirements, and the possibility that veneers or other restorations will need replacement every 10-20 years. Financial considerations are substantial:

• Can you afford the upfront costs ranging from $5,000 to $30,000+?
• Are payment plans or financing options necessary?
• What are the long-term maintenance costs?

Your oral health must be optimized first, teeth and gums should be healthy before any cosmetic treatment, as underlying issues like gum disease or tooth decay must be addressed beforehand. Time commitment varies significantly: simple teeth whitening takes one visit, while orthodontics requires 12-24 months, and comprehensive makeovers may involve multiple appointments over several months. Choose your practitioner carefully by verifying their qualifications, experience in cosmetic dentistry, membership in professional bodies like the Australian Society of Cosmetic Dentistry, and reviewing before-and-after photos of their work.

Request a comprehensive consultation where your dentist should provide adequate time to consider the procedure, set realistic expectations, explain all risks and benefits, demonstrate what your results may look like using digital smile design technology, and obtain proper informed consent including financial consent before proceeding.