Hollywood Smile: what it involves, how it is planned and who it is for

Many people notice the bright, even smiles of actors on screen – and some would like the same for themselves. A “Hollywood Smile” picks up on that wish. What matters, though, is not a movie ideal but a smile that suits your face and your oral health.

The term stands for a personalised smile makeover. It is about more than whiter teeth: the shape, alignment and proportions of the teeth, the gum line and how everything fits your facial features all play a part.

Depending on your starting point, it may involve teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, orthodontic treatment or gum contouring.

There is no standard procedure – every plan is individual. It typically includes:

1. Examination and planning: teeth, gums, bite and overall oral health are checked. Existing problems need to be resolved before aesthetic treatment.
2. Digital smile design: digital tools are used to plan the new smile and preview it. Shape, colour and your expectations are discussed.
3. Preparing teeth and gums: as needed, professional cleaning, whitening, gum treatment or orthodontics – function and aesthetics belong together.
4. Veneers or crowns if needed: veneers are thin shells on the front of the tooth, crowns cover the whole tooth. Not every smile makeover requires them.

You can see real LHC Clinic cases in the before-and-after gallery.

Who is a Hollywood Smile suitable for?

• discoloured or stained teeth
• chipped, worn or uneven teeth
• gaps between teeth
• crooked or misaligned teeth
• an uneven gum line or gummy smile

Ceramic and zirconia veneers and crowns are durable, but not a lifetime solution. How long they last depends on the material, oral hygiene, bite and habits such as smoking or grinding. Repairs or replacement may eventually be needed – so think of them as long-term restorations, not permanent fixes.

How to care for your new smile

• Brush and clean between your teeth regularly
• Be careful with very hard food – and don’t use your teeth as tools
• Consider a night guard if you clench or grind
• Keep up with check-ups so teeth, gums and restorations are monitored
• Reduce staining habits – smoking, tea and coffee stain natural teeth in particular

About the authorDr. med. dent. Hasan CoşkunCo-founder of LHC Clinic, Istanbul

Dr. Coşkun studied dentistry at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (graduated 2000) and worked as a dentist in Germany for around 20 years. He has placed more than 10,000 implants and now practises in Istanbul with a focus on implant dentistry.

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This article is for general information and does not replace a personal examination. Whether and which treatment is suitable for you can only be assessed after examination and a consultation.