This page was clinically reviewed by Dr Sarah Metias, GDC 114267 (Principal Dentist, MJDF RCS England), on 2026-04-29. Verify on the GDC register →
Smile Makeover
Guide
A smile makeover is a planned combination of cosmetic and restorative treatments designed to change the overall appearance of your smile rather than fix a singl…
What we see at Tower Dental Blackpool
In our Blackpool practice, the most commonly delivered smile makeover combination by a clear margin is whitening + composite bonding, costing in the £600–£2,500 range and delivered across 4–6 weeks. The second most common is Invisalign + whitening + bonding, costing in the £4,000–£5,500 range and delivered across 9–14 months. Cases involving porcelain veneers are a smaller proportion than enquiries — around 70% of veneer enquiries convert to a more conservative plan after consultation.
Our planning protocol on every smile makeover starts with photographs and a digital intra-oral scan. For cases involving more than 4 front teeth or where the patient is uncertain about the proposed shape, we take the additional step of producing a "wax-up" or digital simulation, sometimes bonded temporarily as a "test drive" so the patient sees the new shape in their mouth before committing to permanent work. The cost of this preview varies (£100–£300) and is refunded against treatment.
The biggest predictor of patient satisfaction we observe is realistic expectation-setting at consultation. We deliberately show comparable cases from our portfolio rather than aspirational stock images, and we are direct when a particular result is not achievable from a particular starting position. The cases where patients are most delighted are universally those where we set expectations honestly at the start.
First-hand observations from clinical practice at Tower Dental, 302a Devonshire Road, Blackpool FY2 0TW. Figures reflect typical patient experience and are not guarantees of outcome — every case is individually assessed.
What is a smile makeover?
A smile makeover is not a specific treatment — it is a comprehensive plan that combines several treatments in the right order to address everything you want to change about your smile. Some patients need only whitening plus minor bonding; others need orthodontic alignment, then whitening, then veneers across multiple front teeth.
The defining feature of a smile makeover at Tower Dental is the planning. We start with what you want, examine what is realistic, photograph the starting position, and design backwards from the result. Each treatment in the sequence supports the next.
When is a smile makeover the right approach?
A smile makeover suits patients who: want multiple changes to their smile in a planned way, have multiple front teeth that need restoration or replacement, are addressing a long-standing concern that has accumulated multiple issues over years, and want a coordinated written plan rather than treating one tooth at a time.
For single-tooth fixes, a smile makeover is overkill. For comprehensive cases, it is the right structure.
Treatment planning process
Step 1 — listening consultation (£40, refundable). What do you want to change? When you smile in the mirror, what bothers you? Show us photos of smiles you like (and ones you do not). Tell us about budget and timeline. We listen first.
Step 2 — comprehensive examination. Photographs, X-rays as needed, intra-oral scan, periodontal assessment. We need a clear baseline before designing any plan.
Step 3 — design and plan. We sequence the treatments — typically: gum health first, then orthodontic alignment if needed, then whitening, then bonding or veneers to refine shape and shade. Implants slot in early if missing teeth are part of the picture, because they need 3–6 months of healing.
Step 4 — written treatment plan. You receive an itemised plan with costs, timelines and a digital simulation of the proposed result where useful. Time to take it home and consider.
Step 5 — staged delivery. Treatments are delivered in the planned sequence, with photographs at each stage, with gaps for healing and shade settling, and with the plan adjusted if anything changes along the way. The whole process can take 6–24 months depending on complexity.
Typical smile makeover combinations
Whitening + bonding (£666 base): The most popular cosmetic plan for patients with reasonably healthy teeth who want a brighter smile and minor edge / shape refinement. Often completed in 4–6 weeks.
Invisalign + whitening + bonding (£3,200–£5,000): For patients with crowding or alignment issues plus shade and shape concerns. Takes 9–14 months and produces dramatic transformations because the alignment unlocks better cosmetic outcomes.
Whitening + veneers (front 4–6 teeth) (£3,000–£3,800): For patients with significant intrinsic discolouration or worn front teeth who want a longer-term result than bonding offers.
Implants + restorative + cosmetic (£5,000–£15,000+): For patients with missing front teeth combined with cosmetic concerns. Plans are highly bespoke and quoted in writing.
Costs and finance
Smile makeover costs at Tower Dental Blackpool depend entirely on the treatments included. Plans range from around £666 (whitening + minor bonding) to £15,000+ (full mouth implant and cosmetic rehabilitation). Every plan is itemised in writing.
0% interest finance over 6, 10 or 12 months is available subject to status, making even significant smile makeovers affordable as a monthly payment. Plan members receive 15% off treatment.
Risks and limitations
The biggest risk in a smile makeover is poor planning — combining treatments in the wrong order, using the wrong materials, or trying to achieve a result that is not realistic for the starting position. Dr Metias plans every smile makeover personally with photographs and digital previews to set realistic expectations.
Other risks are the same as the individual treatments combined: enamel removal is permanent if veneers are part of the plan, cosmetic restorations have finite lifespans (5–7 years for bonding, 10–15 for veneers), and ongoing maintenance is needed for the result to last.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a smile makeover take?
From 4 weeks (whitening plus minor bonding) to 18–24 months (orthodontics plus implants plus cosmetic finishing). Most cosmetic-only plans are 8–16 weeks; cases involving alignment are 9–14 months; cases involving implants are 6–12 months for the implant phase plus the cosmetic phase on top.
Can I see a preview before committing?
Yes. For most cosmetic cases we provide a digital simulation of the proposed result, sometimes with a "test drive" mock-up bonded temporarily so you can see the new shape in your mouth before committing to the permanent treatment.
What happens if I change my mind partway through?
The plan is yours and we adapt to your decisions. Some patients start with whitening and bonding intending veneers later, then decide bonding is enough. Others start more conservatively and progress to a fuller plan over time. We do not lock you in.
Do I need to fix all my dental problems first?
Yes — a smile makeover is built on a foundation of healthy teeth and gums. Active disease, decay or gum problems are addressed before cosmetic work begins. This is part of the responsible planning we offer.
Will my smile makeover look natural?
That is the goal. Photographs from previous similar cases are shown at consultation so you can judge whether our aesthetic approach matches what you want. Hollywood-bright pure-white smiles are not what we typically aim for — natural, age-appropriate, individualised results are.
Where can I have a smile makeover in Blackpool?
At Tower Dental, 302a Devonshire Road, Blackpool FY2 0TW. See our smile makeover page.
Can I combine implants with cosmetic work?
Absolutely — and these are some of the most rewarding cases we treat. Implants provide the foundation; cosmetic work refines the natural teeth around them. Sequence and timing matter.
What about retainers after a smile makeover?
If orthodontics is part of the plan, retainers are essential for life. Cosmetic work alone does not need retainers but does need ongoing hygiene maintenance.
Related at Tower Dental Blackpool
Considering smile makeover? Talk it through.
This guide is national and educational. The right plan for you depends on your starting position. Book a £40 cosmetic consultation with Dr Sarah Metias for a personalised written plan.
Tower Dental · 302a Devonshire Road, Blackpool FY2 0TW · GDC Registered · CQC Regulated · Last reviewed 2026-04-29
From Smile Makeover Patients
⭐ Verified reviews from our Google Business Profile · 4.9/5 from 209 patients
"Thanks to all the staff for supporting me for the entire journey for my treatment especially with my mental health not being so good. credit to doctor Sarah for her professionalism and kindness."