Cosmetic dentistry

Hollywood Smile

A Hollywood smile is a marketing name for a full smile makeover: a plan that combines treatments such as whitening, veneers, crowns, bonding and gum contouring to change the colour, shape and line of the teeth that show when you smile. It suits adults with healthy teeth and gums, and it should be planned around your face.

Published by Vita Smile Dental Clinic Sources (6)

Ceramic restorations being fitted on a full-arch dental model

Key takeaways

  • Veneers cover only the front surface of a tooth, crowns cover the whole tooth, and neither can be reversed [1].
  • Whitening only lightens natural teeth, so it comes before the shade of veneers or crowns is chosen [2].
  • A gummy or uneven gum line can be reshaped so the new teeth look even [3].
  • UK dentists have reported over-prepared teeth and extensive work on previously healthy teeth in 'smile makeovers' done abroad [4].
  • In a laboratory study, crown preparations removed about 63–72% of a front tooth's crown, against about 3–30% for veneers [5].

At a glance

What it is
A combination of treatments
Treatments used
Whitening, veneers, crowns, bonding, gum contouring
Teeth treated
Those that show when you smile
Reversible
No, once teeth are prepared
Whitening
Works on natural teeth only
Time in Istanbul
Usually 5–7 days

Clinically reviewed by

Dr. Vildan Aktamış

Prosthodontics & Aesthetic Dentistry · Restorative Dental Care

Last reviewed
Sources 6 sources cited

The basics

What is a Hollywood smile?

'Hollywood smile' is not a dental term. It is a marketing name for what dentists call a smile makeover: a planned combination of treatments for the teeth you show when you smile.

There is no single Hollywood smile procedure. A good plan picks the least invasive treatment that does the job for each tooth:

  • Teeth whitening lightens natural teeth. It does not change the colour of crowns, dentures or implants [2].
  • Dental veneers are thin shells bonded to the front of a tooth. They suit teeth that are stained, chipped, misshapen or slightly crooked, and can mask small gaps [1].
  • Crowns cover the whole tooth rather than only its front surface [1], so they are kept for teeth that need full coverage, such as broken or heavily filled teeth.
  • Composite bonding adds tooth-coloured filling material to repair small chips or close small gaps.
  • Gum contouring removes excess gum and shapes the gum line when a smile looks gummy or uneven [3]. See gingival esthetics.

There is no fixed number of teeth: it depends on how many show when you smile. The plan is designed from photos and scans of your face and teeth, so you can see the planned result before treatment starts.

Is it right for you?

Who is a smile makeover for?

A smile makeover suits adults whose teeth and gums are healthy but who want to change the colour, shape or line of several visible teeth. Decay and gum disease are treated first, because veneers placed over unhealthy teeth may make existing problems worse [1].

A makeover may suit you if

  • Several front teeth are stained, chipped, worn or misshapen [1]
  • Whitening alone has not given the colour you want
  • Your gum line is uneven, or a lot of gum shows when you smile [3]
  • Your teeth and gums are healthy, or have been treated first [1]

Ask us about alternatives if

  • Your teeth are healthy and you only want them lighter: whitening may be enough [2]
  • Your teeth are crooked but healthy: orthodontics moves them without preparing them
  • You have decay or gum disease: it is treated before any cosmetic work [1]
  • You grind or clench: veneers can chip, crack, wear down or loosen [1], so plan protection with your dentist

Step by step

How a smile makeover is planned and carried out

The order matters: healthy teeth and gums first, then colour, then the gum line, then the new teeth.

  1. Before you travel

    Online consultation

    Send photos of your smile. A dentist replies with a personalised plan and a written quote.

  2. First visit

    Examination

    Your teeth, gums and bite are checked, with X-rays. Any decay or gum disease is treated before cosmetic work [1].

  3. Planning

    Smile design and preview

    The shape, length and shade of each tooth are planned from photos and scans. You see a preview before any tooth is prepared.

  4. If planned

    Whitening and gum contouring

    Natural teeth are whitened first, so the new teeth can be matched to them [2]. Excess gum can be removed to even the gum line [3].

  5. Treatment

    Veneers, crowns or bonding

    Teeth are prepared only as much as the plan needs. Veneers or crowns are checked for fit, colour and bite, then bonded or cemented [1].

  6. At home

    Aftercare

    Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth, avoid biting hard objects and keep your check-ups.

The order, number of visits and time between them depend on your plan; your dentist confirms them after examining you.

See your planned smile before you decide

Send a few photos of your smile. A dentist reviews them and replies with a personalised plan and a written quote, free of charge.

Book a free online consultation Ask on WhatsApp

Compare your options

Veneers vs crowns vs whitening and bonding

Most makeovers mix these options, tooth by tooth. Crowns remove far more tooth than veneers [5]; whitening and bonding change the least. Your dentist recommends an option for each tooth after examining you.

Veneers Crowns Whitening + bonding
What it covers The front surface of the tooth The whole tooth Natural teeth stay; bonding adds material where needed
Tooth removed (lab study) About 3–30% of the tooth's crown About 63–72% of the tooth's crown None for whitening
Typical use Stained, chipped, misshapen or slightly crooked teeth Teeth that need full coverage Teeth that only need to be lighter, small chips or gaps
Reversible No No Whitening is not permanent
Colour later Fixed: whitening does not change it Fixed: whitening does not change it Whitening fades; composite stains more than porcelain
If damaged Can be re-bonded, repaired or replaced Repaired or replaced by your dentist Composite is easier to fix

Tooth removal: a laboratory study on model front teeth [5]; real preparations vary. Veneers and composite: ADA [1]. Whitening, which may last around 3 years: NHS [2].

Before you decide

Risks of a Hollywood smile and the 'Turkey teeth' problem

In a 2022 survey of 1,000 UK dentists by the British Dental Association, 86% of those who had examined patients treated abroad had treated cases that developed problems, and 87% named crowns as the treatment most likely to need follow-up work [4]. Dentists described over-prepared teeth and extensive work on previously healthy teeth in 'smile makeovers' [4], the pattern often called 'Turkey teeth'.

  • Irreversible preparationVeneers need enamel removed and crowns cover the whole tooth, so a treated tooth will always need a covering [1]. In a laboratory study, crown preparations removed about 63–72% of a front tooth's crown, against about 3–30% for veneers [5].
  • Over-treatmentOne dentist in the survey reported a young man with 21 full crowns placed for what was 'clearly an orthodontic case' [4]. Ask why each tooth is in the plan.
  • Untreated gum diseaseIt raises the risk of crowns failing and is a major contributor to infection and pain [4].
  • Lifetime maintenanceExtensive work on healthy teeth can need a lifetime of costly upkeep, and can even lead to tooth loss [4]. Veneers can chip, crack, wear down or loosen over time [1].
  • Too white or too bulkyThe brightest shade is not always the most natural. Ask to see the planned shade and shape before anything is made.
  • Care after you returnAsk what aftercare is provided and who pays if further treatment is needed [6].
Dr. Vildan Aktamış

From our dentist

“A Hollywood smile does not have to mean new teeth all round. I begin with what you would like to change; often it is the colour, and whitening alone, or whitening with a few veneers, is enough. Your face, lips and gum line shape the design, and healthy enamel stays wherever it can. Crowns are for teeth that need protection, not a shortcut to a whiter smile. You see the design and choose the shade with me before anything is prepared.”

Dr. Vildan Aktamış · Prosthodontics & Aesthetic Dentistry · Restorative Dental Care

Treatment abroad

Choosing a clinic in Turkey for a smile makeover

A smile makeover can involve many teeth at once, so the plan for each tooth matters more than the overall look in a photo. Several of these questions come from the General Dental Council's checklist for treatment abroad [6]:

  • Who will carry out my treatment, and what qualifications do they have? [6]
  • How many teeth do you plan to treat, and why each one?
  • Which teeth get veneers and which get crowns, and could whitening, bonding or orthodontics do instead?
  • Will I see a preview of my new smile before any tooth is prepared?
  • What aftercare do you provide, and is further treatment included if there are complications? [6]

Smile makeovers at Vita Smile are planned by Dr. Vildan Aktamış, a general dentist who focuses on prosthodontics and aesthetic dentistry; she also reviewed this page. The clinic is licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health and holds the health tourism authorisation certificate ST-5176.

Questions

Hollywood smile: frequently asked questions

Can't find your answer? Our coordinators are happy to help on WhatsApp.

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How much does a Hollywood smile cost in Turkey?

It depends on the treatments combined, the number of teeth and the materials. After a free online assessment you receive a written quote, so you know the expected cost before you travel. The quote is confirmed after your examination at the clinic. See veneer prices and packages.

What is a Hollywood smile in Turkey?

It is a marketing name for a full smile makeover, not a single treatment. The plan may combine whitening, veneers, crowns, bonding and gum contouring on the teeth that show when you smile [1][2][3].

Where do celebs get their teeth done in Turkey?

A famous patient tells you little about your own plan. What matters is a licensed clinic, a named and qualified dentist, and clear aftercare [6].

What is the most reputable dental clinic in Turkey?

There is no official ranking. Check that the clinic is licensed, who will treat you and their qualifications, what aftercare is provided and how complaints are handled [6]. The British Dental Association also advises checking whether the dentist is insured if things go wrong [4].

How long does a Hollywood smile last?

Each part lasts differently. Whitening is not permanent and may last around 3 years [2]. Veneers can last many years but can chip, crack, wear down or loosen [1]; our guide on how long veneers last covers the research.

What are the disadvantages of a Hollywood smile?

Veneers and crowns need tooth structure removed, so they cannot be reversed [1][5], and extensive work can need a lifetime of upkeep [4]. Over-treatment is a key concern: UK dentists have reported extensive work on previously healthy teeth in smile makeovers abroad [4].

What our patients say

Read what our patients say about us on Google and Trustpilot.

Patient reviews from Google and Trustpilot

Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

I visited Vita Smile Dental Clinic for implants and a smile makeover, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Dr. Vildan and her team were warm, knowledgeable, and extremely detail-oriented. The clinic itself is spotless and modern, and they made sure I was comfortable every step of the way. They even helped with transportation and accommodation, which made the whole experience stress-free. My new smile looks amazing — I feel more confident than ever. If you're thinking about dental treatment in Turkey, Vita Smile is a fantastic choice. Thank you for everything!

Fuat D. August 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Google — Google review

First of all, the dentist is very reliable and professional. The clinic has a very friendly atmosphere, and both the service and approach to patients are of the highest standard – everything is handled professionally. The dentist is extremely professional and gentle in her work. She always asks if anything hurts and makes sure the patient feels comfortable during every visit. Special recognition also goes to the consultant Rafia, who always responds quickly to any questions or concerns. She is very helpful, kind, and always tries to find a solution and speak with patients with care and understanding. The clinic is very clean, and every patient is treated individually and with full attention. I wholeheartedly recommend this dental clinic.

Elwira K.
Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

We were in a medical trip to Turkey, headed to Vita Smile. Everything went smooth -from airport to clinic and back home-. The procedure was seamless, as for me I regained trusts in myself now that I can smile again. Also lots of thanks to ms.Oana for everything.

Stephen Romania · April 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Google — Google review

The team and doctors are very professional, I am very pleased to have had my teeth whitened and cleaned, I recommend it to everyone. Thank you

Rumeysa Y.
Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

I visited Vita smile for my tooth pain. Dr Vildan and all team was so helpfull. They gave me teeth cleaning for free as a present. I suggest it to all my friends. Thanks for all.

Mehmet F. August 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

Diş için geldim. Diş ile ilgili bütün sorunlarimi hallettiler ve çok güzel oldu çok ilgililer.

Oğuzhan F. August 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

yeni zirkonyum yaptırdım çok memnun kaldım, hekimin eli çok hafifti gerçekten. gülümsemek 🤩

June 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

Temiz ve rahat bir ortamda operasyon um yapildi.Doktorlara ilgilerinden dolayı teşekkür ederim. Yapılan işlemler beni çok mutlu ve özgüvenli hissettirdi. Tüm ekibe TESEKKUR ederim.

Ulas K. March 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

Almanya'daki bir tanıdığımız vaasitasi ile alakalı geldim 1 hafta içerisinde full ağız implant ve lamine tedavilerini yaptirdim doktor ekip tamamı ile kusursuz kesinlikle tavsiye ediyorum

Volkan S. March 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Google — Google review

Daha önce olan diş kaplamalarım inanınlmaz rahatsız ediyordu zirkonyum kaplama için arkadaşımın tavsiyesiyle gittim 3-4 gün gibi bir sürede eski kaplamalar sökülüp yeni ölçüler alındı provalar yapıldı ve yeni kaplamalar yapıldı çok doğal ve çok kullanımı rahat hiçbir sıkıntı yaşamadım tüm ekibe teşekür ederim.

Mine A.
Rated 5 out of 5 Google — Google review

"Gülüşümü tamamen değiştirdiler! Zirkonyum kaplamalarım o kadar doğal duruyor ki, kimse kaplama olduğunu anlamıyor. Renk uyumu ve diş etleriyle olan uyumu tek kelimeyle mükemmel. Estetik kaygısı olan herkese gözü kapalı öneririm."

Ali A.
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Sources

Studies and patient guides this page is based on.

  1. [1] Veneers — MouthHealthy, American Dental Association · mouthhealthy.org
  2. [2] Teeth whitening — NHS (page last reviewed 19 August 2025) · nhs.uk
  3. [3] Cosmetic Procedures — American Academy of Periodontology · perio.org
  4. [4] UK dentists picking up the pieces from dental tourism boom — British Dental Association, 14 July 2022 · bda.org
  5. [5] Edelhoff D, Sorensen JA. Tooth structure removal associated with various preparation designs for anterior teeth. Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, 2002 · doi.org
  6. [6] Going abroad for dental treatment — General Dental Council · gdc-uk.org