Most people who walk into a cosmetic dentist’s office don’t want to look like someone else. They simply do not like their smile. They keep their lips closed in photos. They cover their mouth when they laugh. They avoid showing their teeth during conversations. 

With decades of cosmetic dentistry experience in Beverly Hills, Dr. David S. Frey has seen the same pattern of small, well-designed improvements to a smile that can completely change how a person feels about themselves. 

This guide explains what modern cosmetic dentistry actually involves, why bite and aesthetics must be designed together, and what to expect from a smile transformation done at a high level.

Watch the full interview on YouTube:

Can a Smile Makeover Really Change Your Life?

A well-designed smile makeover does more than improve appearance. By correcting color, shape, alignment, and bite together, it changes how patients carry themselves, engage with others, and feel in everyday interactions. Long-lasting  results come from treatments that combine aesthetics with proper jaw function, not cosmetics alone.

Why Your Smile Has So Much Power

A smile is the first things people notice. While it  influences how others perceive you, more importantly, it shapes how you perceive yourself. 

Many patients are successful and confident in nearly every other area of their lives, except for their smile. 

Those small daily habits of avoiding photos, hiding your mouth, or feeling self conscious add up. They affect posture, expression, and the way a person engages with the world. When the underlying issue is corrected, the change extends far beyond the teeth.

More Than Cosmetic Dentistry

A high-level smile transformation is not only about appearance. It is about how a patient functions, expresses, and feels day to day.

Patients often return six months or a year after treatment looking noticeably different, not because their teeth changed alone, but because their confidence, energy, and openness changed with the smile. When you feel good about your smile, you use it more, and that shifts compounds over time.

What Porcelain Veneers Actually Are

A focal of a modern smile is porcelain veneers. Veneers  are very thin layers of dental porcelain bonded to the front of the natural teeth. When used correctly, they look completely natural because light passes through them the way it does through real enamel.

Porcelain veneers can correct:

When done well, veneers should not announce themselves. They should look like teeth that have always belonged in that smile.

Natural or Hollywood: What Kind of Smile Do You Want?

Every patient has a different vision. Some want a result so subtle that no one will know they had work done. Others are looking for that red-carpet worthy smile. 

The role of a cosmetic dentist is to deliver the look the patient wants while guiding the design so it suits their face, age, and personality. The best smiles are the ones that look the most natural. 

Why the Bite Matters More Than You Think

One of the most common misconceptions is that cosmetic dentistry is only about making teeth look nice. In reality, the bitehas a major influence on how a smile ages.

When the bite is off:

When the bite is corrected as part of a smile makeover, the results are striking. The face relaxes. Proportions improve. The smile follows the natural contour of the lips, and in many cases, lines and wrinkles around the mouth soften. 

What a Real Smile Transformation Looks Like

Many patients do not show their teeth when they smile. This isn’t because they don’t want to, but because their bite physically does not allow it. 

Once the bite is corrected and the teeth are restored to their proper proportions:

In some cases, the result feels like restoring  part of the face that had been missing for years.

Full Mouth Revitalization

While some patients only need a few veneers, others benefit from a full mouth approach and the entire smile is rebuilt in a balanced, functional, and natural way. 

A full mouth revitalization is not guesswork. Every dimension is measured. Every tooth is designed. The proposed smile is tested before any restoration takes place. Every tooth is designed. The proposed smile is tested before any final restorations take place. Even small adjustments in this design phase can significantly change the final look.

The Smile Design Process

Patients are surprised by how efficient a well-planned cosmetic work  can be. With proper preparation, many smile makeovers are completed after one week of treatment, supported by careful planning beforehand.

The process generally follows four steps:

  1. Information gathering. Photos, scans, bite records, and a detailed conversation about goals.
  2. Smile design. A custom plan that accounts for tooth shape, proportions, lip dynamics, and facial features.
  3. Preview model. A trial version of the smile the patient can see and evaluate before any irreversible work is done.
  4. Final restorations. Placement of the finished porcelain veneers or restorations, typically across a small number of focused visits.

You Get to Try the Smile Before It Is Final

One of the most important steps in modern cosmetic dentistry is the smile preview. Patients receive a temporary version of the new smile that they can wear, evaluate, and live with before anything is finalized.

Any adjustments to the smile are made during this stage. By the time the final restorations are delivered, there are no surprises. The result has already been seen, tested, and approved.

How Long Porcelain Veneers Last

Porcelain is one of the most stable materials used in dentistry. It does not stain internally and holds its appearance over time. With routine care, including regular cleanings and good hygiene, well-made porcelain veneers can look excellent for many years.

Longevity also depends on the bite. Veneers placed on an unstable bite are more likely to chip or fail, which is another reason cosmetic and functional treatment are designed together.

Who Smile Makeovers Are Really For

Smile transformations are not reserved for celebrities.  Many patients are everyday people who simply want to feel better about how they look and how they engage with the world. 

Common patient profiles include:

The common thread is not status. It is a desire for confidence.

How to Choose a Cosmetic Dentist

Anyone can claim to be a cosmetic dentist. That does not mean they have the training, experience, or eye to deliver high-level transformations. When evaluating a provider, look for someone who:

Cosmetic dentistry is part art and part science. The best results come from a dentist who is genuinely strong in both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are porcelain veneers permanent?

Porcelain veneers are considered a long-term restoration. The process involves removing a small amount of enamel, which means veneers are not reversible, but well-designed veneers can last many years with proper care and a stable bite.

Do veneers look natural?

Yes, when designed and placed correctly. Porcelain transmits light similarly to natural enamel, and a skilled cosmetic dentist customizes shape, translucency, and color so the result blends with the patient’s face and personality.

How many veneers do most patients need?

It depends on how wide the smile is and which teeth show when speaking and smiling. Certain  patients only need veneers on a few front teeth, while others benefit from a more comprehensive approach. 

Will I be able to preview my smile before it is final?

In a properly designed case, yes. A temporary version is created so the patient can wear, evaluate, and refine the look before any restorations are done .

How long does a smile makeover take?

Many cosmetic cases can be completed in about a week of active treatment, supported by careful planning beforehand. Larger full mouth cases may extend over a longer period depending on complexity.

Does insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?

Purely cosmetic treatment is generally not covered by dental insurance. When bite correction or restorative work is involved, portions of the treatment may be eligible for coverage. The Perfect White Smile team can review specifics during a consultation.

Feel More Confident, Today 

If you do not like your smile, you do not have to live with it. Modern cosmetic dentistryis not a complicated experience for the patient. It is a designed process with predictable results.

Sometimes the right answer is a full mouth transformation. Sometimes it is a small, focused improvement. Either way, the impact on confidence, expression, and quality of life can be significant.

Schedule a Smile Consultation in Beverly Hills

Dr. David S. Frey is a Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist with extensive experience in porcelain veneers, full mouth revitalization, and bite-driven smile design. To explore what is possible for your smile

A small improvement can change the way you see yourself, and the way the world sees you.

If you need a lot of dental work, you may want to take a step back and consider full-mouth reconstruction instead of looking at one issue at a time. Full-mouth reconstruction may also be referred to as full-mouth restoration or full-mouth rehabilitation.

There are several reasons for doing this:

The team at Perfect White Smiles can help with your full mouth reconstruction. Our dentists have the experience and expertise to give you the perfect smile that you’ve always dreamed of.

What Is Full-Mouth Reconstruction?

Full-mouth reconstruction is a combination of general, cosmetic, and/or restorative dental procedures designed to rebuild and restore your teeth and gums. Typically, full-mouth dental reconstruction is performed by a skilled dentist that has experience and expertise in cosmetic and restorative procedures. In some cases, a specialist such as an oral surgeon or a periodontist may also be involved.

Common Reasons For Full-Mouth Reconstruction

There are several reasons why you may want to consider full-mouth reconstruction, including:

Who is the right candidate for full-mouth reconstruction?

Candidates for full-mouth dental reconstruction have a combination of the following symptoms:

Standard Procedure In Full-Mouth Reconstruction

When it comes to full-mouth reconstruction, there is no standard. The procedures involved vary from one patient to another, depending on your needs. The dentist will perform a comprehensive exam including x-rays and other necessary imaging to determine the procedures that you need. They will also discuss your needs and goals for treatment.

Some of the most common procedures include:

Full-Mouth Reconstruction Procedure

Full-mouth reconstruction starts with the most invasive and ends with the least invasive.

Full-Mouth Reconstruction Before And After Photos

Below are some before and after photos from some of our clients:

Cost and Financing Options

The cost of full-mouth reconstruction depends on several factors. Some research indicates that the average cost per tooth ranges from around $800 to $1,500 or more. The best way to find out your actual full-mouth reconstruction cost is to schedule a consultation to determine which procedures you need.

Dental insurance may cover a portion of full-mouth reconstruction, depending on the procedures that you need. In most cases, restorative procedures will be covered while cosmetic procedures are not. Our friendly office staff will work with your insurance provider to determine coverage.

We accept a variety of payment options, including cash, check, credit card, FSA/HSA accounts, and third-party financing. We also work with third-party financing providers to help make your treatment more affordable.

Benefits of Full-Mouth Reconstruction

There are lots of benefits of full-mouth reconstruction. However, they all fall under one broad category: restore the appearance and functionality of your teeth.

Why Choose Perfect White Smiles for Full-Mouth Reconstruction

A full-mouth reconstruction can change your entire life. It can eliminate your dental issues and improve the overall functionality and appearance of your smile. If you need full-mouth reconstruction or even just a few cosmetic and restorative procedures, you want to work with a dental professional that has the experience/expertise that you need.

The dental professionals at Perfect White Smiles in Beverly Hills can help. Our staff is highly trained in a variety of dental procedures. Schedule your consultation today to learn how we can help you!

We are located on Camden Drive in Beverly Hills. You can schedule your consultation from our website or by calling the office at (310) 276-4537.

FAQs On Full-Mouth Reconstruction

Full-mouth reconstruction is a serious commitment. The team at Perfect White Smiles in Beverly Hills wants to be sure that you understand this process. We will be more than happy to discuss your questions and/or concerns at any time. Below are some of the most common questions that we’ve gotten.

What is the difference between full-mouth rehabilitation and reconstruction?

While the two are just two terms for the same procedure, there are some slight differences between full-mouth reconstruction and full-mouth rehabilitation.

A full-mouth reconstruction focuses on improving your oral health to improve your confidence, diet, and lifestyle. A full-mouth rehabilitation addresses everything about your smile from the structure of your teeth to gum tissue.

How much does a full mouth restoration cost in the US?

Full-mouth restoration cost in the United States depends on a variety of factors including:

The best way to find out the actual cost for your full-mouth reconstruction is to schedule a consultation to determine what you need to have done to get your smile back.

How long does a full mouth rehabilitation take?

This entirely depends on the procedures that you need and your body’s ability to heal. In some cases, procedures can overlap- but in other cases, your mouth will need to heal before another procedure can be done.

In addition, you and your dentist may choose to spread treatments out over time in a more budget-friendly way.

Is full mouth restoration painful?

In the past, many of the procedures involved in full-mouth restoration could be somewhat painful. This is why so many people ignored their dental issues. However, thanks to advancements in dental technology and anesthesia, you should not have any pain during the procedures. You may feel some pressure, but it should not be painful. However, we do have sedation options if you are concerned about discomfort.

When the anesthesia wears off and throughout the healing process, you may experience some discomfort- but this should resolve fairly quickly. Typically, any discomfort can be treated with OTC pain relievers.

What is the difference between a smile makeover and a full mouth reconstruction?

A smile makeover is an elective procedure. The primary focus of a smile makeover is the appearance of your smile. The procedures included in a smile makeover are typically cosmetic.

A full-mouth reconstruction is needed. A full-mouth reconstruction, on the other hand, focuses both on appearance and functionality. The procedures involved in this process improve your diet, lifestyle, and confidence.

What is full mouth restoration treatment?

Full-mouth restoration is the process of using a combination of general, cosmetic, and restorative procedures to improve the appearance and functionality of your smile. This may include dental fillings, dental implants, gum disease treatment, and a variety of other procedures.

Tooth loss is often quite minor, affecting one or two teeth here and there. Some patients have the more severe issue of full-arch tooth loss. In such instances, a disease has usually led to a need for extraction. Once the disease has been appropriately treated, the secondary concern is how teeth will be replaced. Today, most patients are good candidates for dental implant treatment to restore full functionality to the smile.

Full arch tooth replacement describes the use of a denture to replace natural teeth across an entire upper or lower arch. Not just dentures, though, a denture that is supported by several dental implants. The development of extensive dental implant procedures has paved the way for more patients to regain the comfort and confidence they had with natural, root-stabilized teeth. The structural soundness of the implant supported fixture means far less, if any, difficulty with eating, speaking, and self-confidence.

Why Full Arch Replacement Makes Sense

Losing a full arch of teeth is a rather traumatic event. Extractions are performed with precision to minimize disruption of soft tissues. That is not the issue. The issue is the emotional and functional toll that occurs when teeth are not present. To be honest, dentures are a poor substitute for fully stabilized teeth. With an implant-supported fixture, our patients can enjoy benefits that include:

Same-day tooth replacement is often possible, allowing patients to resume normal activities more quickly and easily after the insertion of dental implants. Even temporaries are made to closely resemble the appearance of natural tooth enamel. No one can tell the difference but your dentist.

We want to give our patients something to smile about. Our friendly service is backed by years of training and experience, and a strong commitment to long-term results from dental implant treatment. If you are ready to restore the ultimate in function and aesthetics to your smile, schedule a consultation in our Beverly Hills office.

Have you lost that special something in your smile, something like your teeth? Even if the tooth that has been lost is in the back of your mouth, consequences will occur. Even ancient civilizations understood this, as is evidenced by the development of dentures back in 700BC. We need our teeth to look healthy and attractive. We also need our teeth – as many of them as possible – so we can chew food sufficiently to maintain physical health. Tooth loss has been an important topic of discussion and, fortunately, are of research and development. The benefits of dental implants for tooth replacement are evident to patients of our Beverly Hills office.

What Are Dental Implants?

Most people have heard of dental implants, but may not really know what these fixtures are. A dental implant looks like a very small screw. Essentially, it is; one that is made of biocompatible material, and for specific use in the mouth.  A dental implant is not seen. Its permanent location is hidden beneath the gums. This replicates the natural structure of teeth roots, and it also reinstates the same stability one gets from the natural framework.

The fact that dental implants are singular posts does not mean that your dentist replaces one tooth at a time. This method of restorative care has evolved over the past few decades into a technique through which patients can replace just one tooth, or a number of teeth. Most recently, dental implants have become the new norm in full-mouth replacement with dentures. Using the appropriate number of posts, approximately 12, an experienced implant dentist sets the stage for a lifetime of stability, comfort, and natural beauty. Thanks to implants, tooth replacement will never look the same.

Finding Your Path

The beauty of dental implant treatment is that there are no hard-set rules. It used to be that bone structure was a factor in determining a patient’s candidacy. Today, there are ways to build up bone tissue in areas of substantial loss, making implants available to a much wider patient demographic. During the initial consultation and examination, we assess bone density, gum health, and we also discuss general health and lifestyle habits, such as tobacco use.

Schedule A Consultation

Discover how Beverly Hills dentist Dr. David Frey can help you get your smile back after tooth loss. Call 310-276-4537.

Maybe you don’t need an entirely new smile, and maybe you do. Either way, your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist Dr. David Frey is ready to help you accomplish your desired outcome from personal dental care. For more than 25, our office has maintain an outstanding reputation throughout the Los Angeles area for our level of service and Dr. Frey’s level of expertise across the areas of dentistry that help patients love their smile. Here’s how we can help you stroll right into the new year with a healthy, attractive smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry

When you know you make a good first impression, your self-esteem naturally rises. Conversely, self-consciousness about the appearance of your teeth can keep you from feeling the ultimate confidence you deserve. According to research, it could also keep you from that second date or second job interview. The good news is that there are numerous ways to bring out your best through your smile. Dull teeth can be brightened with professional whitening services. Gaps can be closed with lifelike porcelain veneers. Missing teeth – even a full mouth of them – can be replaced with dental implants that look and feel like your own.

Restorative Dentistry

Small dental problems need attention. Otherwise, they will grow. Wouldn’t it be much easier to see the dentist for a small filling than for a root canal? We think so, too! Dental repairs are less stressful and less costly when handled early. From tooth-colored fillings to inlays and onlays to crowns and bridges, our focus in restorative dentistry is to resolve pain and reinstate the structural integrity necessary for chewing.

Preventive Dentistry

We asked how much nicer a filling would be than a root canal. Well, how about seeing the dentist often enough that you can avoid all of that? We encourage six-month recall visits for the majority of patients because this is typically ideal timing to prevent problems like cavities and gum disease. At the very least, we can usually see unhealthy conditions during routine exams, which allows us to correct them in the most conservative manner.

Schedule A Consultation

Resolve to have your best smile this year by revitalizing your smile. Call 310-276-4537 to schedule your visit to our Beverly Hills dental office.

YOUR SMILE IS AMONG YOUR MOST influential assets! But, that doesn’t mean your smile has to be a perfect, “movie star” smile for you to harness its power.

Step 1: Practice, Practice, Practice

Life’s too short to skip the simple things that make you happy. Smile more. Smile and laugh, proudly. Abundantly. Invite people to share in the things that make you smile. Your smiles will foster gratitude. Smiling can become a habit. Seek the opportunity.

Step 2: Be Aware Of The Smile/Emotion Connection

Author and poet, Thích Nhất Hạnh once said, “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” We often only think about the way positive emotions trigger smiles, but it works the other way too. Smiles trigger positive emotions. They can even help us better deal with stress or pain.

Step 3: Eliminate The “Courtesy” Smile

Make a conscious decision to replace every half-hearted smile given in politeness with a genuine smile. You can do it!

Step 4: Remember How Attractive Your Smile Makes You

A recent study of 5,000+ singles found that both men (58%) and women (71%) judge the opposite sex MOST (and FIRST) on the appearance of their teeth. Smiles invite and strengthen relationships.

Step 5: Keep Your Smile Healthy

Treat your smile with the love it deserves. Brush and floss daily, and schedule regular checkups.

We Love Your Smiles

Some estimates say that 30% of the general population is unhappy with their smiles to a point where they avoid smiling. That’s sad. If you feel that way, let’s visit. Sometimes it just helps to talk about it. Whether you’re ready for a big change or just a tiny, subtle improvement, we can help you harness the power of YOUR smile. Thanks for being our valued patients and friends.

NEW RESEARCH SUGGESTS that much of the dental “wear and tear” we see today rarely existed prehistorically, and overly-processed diets may be partially to blame. While not all experts agree, some studies conclude that our modern-day teeth are just not getting the workouts they need.

Some Wear Is Natural And Even Beneficial

Harder foods eaten in moderation can help strengthen our teeth and gums. In fact, if all we ate were soft foods, our enamel could actually deteriorate. Hard foods can smooth the surfaces of our teeth, making them flatter. This can help more evenly distribute chewing force and can help protect our teeth.

Yes it’s true… Our teeth need to work out. But there are proper and improper ways to strengthen our smiles. Let’s talk about a few dos and don’ts.

Do:

Don’t:

How Do You Strengthen Your Smile?

A balanced diet of hard and soft foods is one way to help strengthen your smile. Do you know of others? If so, please share them with us in the comments area below or on our Facebook page!

We Appreciate Having You As Our Valued Patient. Thanks For The Trust You Place In Us!

CAN YOU IMAGINE HOLDING YOUR SMILE perfectly still for 15 minutes until the camera clicked? That’s how long it took for a photograph to expose in 1839.

Later, exposure times were significantly cut back, but it still took at least 20 seconds. To make sure pictures weren’t ruined, photographers asked their subjects to stay completely still and not adjust their bodies or facial expressions. No wonder people were so stiff and serious in old time photos! They were probably frustrated, tired and bored!

Now, snapping a photo takes no time at all. In fact, most people have an HD camera in their pocket all the time (called a smartphone). Today, when someone whips out a camera, it’s just second nature for us to flash a quick smile. But it wasn’t always that way. Why?

Why People Didn’t Smile In The Early Days Of Photography

The Serious Nature Of Formal Occasions

Photography was rare and expensive. Most people only had a few opportunities during their entire lifetime to have their photo taken. Therefore, when the rich were being photographed, they treated the “event” with the utmost seriousness. They preferred the thoughtful, tortured look to the playful kissy-face look that’s so popular today.

Poor Dental Health

In the 1800s good dental care was not widely available. Modern dental procedures designed to help people keep their teeth for life were unavailable—so, most people had missing, broken, chipped, or rotten teeth. Even if the technology would have allowed them to show their smiles to the camera, they may have preferred to keep their mouths shut.

When Did Things Start Changing?

Starting in the 1900’s, we see more natural-looking, relaxed poses. But why did we start smiling? Well, we’re not really sure. But one theory is that a picture is our introduction to someone new, and when we meet someone new, we usually make a good impression with a welcoming smile.

Keep Your Smile Camera-Ready

Are You Still Holding Back Your Smile?

We live in a wonderful time where modern dentistry allows us to enjoy healthy, beautiful grins. If, for any reason, you’re uncomfortable with your smile or dental health, let’s visit. We want you to feel 100% confident when you smile.

The 1800s are behind us, including the fashion and the seriousness. Thank you for trusting your smile to our practice!

Just For Fun!

Do YOU have a family or personal photo shoot story (good or bad, funny or serious)? Please tell us about it by posting in the comments section below or on our Facebook page. We’d love to hear it!

YES, IT’S VALENTINE’S DAY—and what better day to talk about smiles, attraction, and relationships!? It’s probably never occurred to you to look to your dentist for dating advice. But the fact is that smiles have a surprising amount to do with attraction.

It’s Not So Much About Makeup And Primping

Women in many countries annually spend up to $8 billion on makeup. And, the average woman in those countries spends 20 minutes a day (or more) applying it. But according to a Wrigley Gum study where participants looked at thousands of photos of women smiling with makeup, smiling without makeup, not smiling with makeup, and not smiling without makeup, the study found that both men AND women think that a smile makes a person more attractive than makeup does (and it may save a woman 20 minutes a day)!

Smiles Literally Draw People Closer

Why are smiles so attractive to us? A smile is a “social cue”. It can signal apology, welcome, gratitude, or celebration. A smile means “you’re clear to approach” and we all react to it subconsciously.

Your Smile Ranks #1 In How You’re Initially Judged

Sometimes it’s unwise to judge a book by its cover, but the importance of a first impression is undeniable. A recent survey of over 5,000 singles found that both men (58%) and women (71%) judge the opposite sex MOST on their teeth.

Unfortunately, this is rough news for the 30% of people who are unhappy with their smiles. If you’re one of them, please contact us to visit about things you can do to be more confident about your smile, whether you’re ready for something big or just looking for a small, subtle improvement.

Thanks for your trust in our practice! We appreciate you!

There are lots of ways we can improve our appearance and stay looking younger. As a Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist I do lots of smile enhancements and smile makeovers for patients who are unhappy with their smile. They aren’t alone. A  poll conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology found the following:

The wonderful thing about enhancing or making over your smile is that it gives you a more youthful, more polished look but no one can quite put their finger on what you’ve had done! They know you look great, better than you used to look, but unlike a more obvious plastic surgery they can’t immediate pinpoint what has changed.

Smile makeovers are highly individual. Gone are the days of the old Hollywood “chiclet” smile. Today our smile makeovers are designed to give you the beautiful smile you should have been born with — one that works with your features to improve your overall appearance. Maybe smile enhancements are 7 times more popular than facelifts because once patients had their smile makeovers they realized they didn’t need plastic surgery!

Find out more about smile makeovers by contacting Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist Dr. David Frey today at 310-276-4537.