Updated April 2026
A smile is often the first thing people notice about you - in photos, across a conference table, or on a first date. When chips, stains, gaps, or missing teeth make you hesitant to smile, it affects more than just your mouth.
Many of our patients tell us they've spent years covering their smile in photos or feeling self-conscious during conversations. That's why a smile makeover isn't just about aesthetics; it's about feeling like yourself again.
What can I do about a damaged or unsightly tooth?
Even patients with dedicated oral hygiene routines deal with the wear and tear of everyday life. Teeth chip on a stray popcorn kernel, stain gradually from wine, crack under years of grinding, or simply show the effects of aging and genetics. The good news is that modern tooth restoration techniques can get a damaged tooth working (and looking) as good as new!
There are two main categories of dental restorations. Direct restorations, usually dental fillings, are completed in a single sitting. The tooth is cleaned and prepped, and soft material is worked into the cavity, set into place, ground, and polished to ensure a smooth finish and perfect bite.
Indirect restorations are utilized when damage to a tooth is more extensive. A dentist will take impressions and send them off to a lab, where a dental technician will fabricate the restoration outside the office. During a subsequent visit, the dentist will cement the restoration into place. Examples include:
- Inlays and onlays (similar to fillings, but formed outside the office)
- Bridges (false teeth to fill gaps in your smile)
- Crowns (a cap for a damaged or weakened tooth)
- Veneers (a porcelain shell that fits over the tooth for either protective or cosmetic purposes)
How long does a smile makeover take?
The honest answer: it depends on the treatments involved. A whitening-focused makeover can be completed in a matter of weeks. A more involved plan with veneers, crowns, or implants typically spans two to six months, sometimes longer if orthodontics is part of the picture.
Here's a rough timeline of what to expect:
- Consultation and planning: 1 visit to discuss goals, take X-rays and impressions, and map out your treatment
- Preparatory work: Any needed cleanings, fillings, or extractions before cosmetic work begins
- Core treatments: Whitening, veneer placement, crown fittings, or implant procedures - scheduled based on healing time and lab turnaround
- Final adjustments: Fine-tuning the bite, polishing, and making sure everything looks and feels right
We'll give you a realistic timeline at your consultation so there are no surprises along the way.
Am I a candidate for a smile makeover?
If you've ever found yourself doing any of the following, a smile makeover might be worth exploring:
- Closing your lips in photos or smiling without showing your teeth
- Covering your mouth when you laugh
- Avoiding foods that stain because you're worried about discoloration
- Feeling self-conscious about chips, gaps, crooked teeth, or worn-down edges
- Dealing with older dental work (metal fillings, aging crowns) that no longer look natural
- Putting off a big event (i.e., a wedding, reunion, or career change) because of your smile
Most healthy adults are candidates for at least some form of cosmetic treatment. The only real prerequisite is a foundation of healthy teeth and gums, which Dr. Mahoney can assess during your first visit. If there's decay or gum disease to address first, we'll handle that before any cosmetic work begins.
Achieve your best smile with Dr. Kevin Mahoney
If you want your smile to look better, the team at Sleep Dentistry Erie has the tools to get you there! Every smile makeover starts with a one-on-one consultation where Dr. Mahoney listens to your goals, examines your teeth and gums, and walks you through the options that make sense for your unique situation. From there, we build a custom treatment plan at a pace that works for you - and if dental anxiety has held you back in the past, you can skip the discomfort entirely thanks to safe, effective general anesthesia.