Episode 47: Hollywood vs. Real-Life Smiles The Truth About Makeovers

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (0:08 – 0:44)
Welcome again to Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth. It’s the go‐to podcast on eRadio where curiosity meets dentistry. We’re joined by our expert as always, Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile, and we dive into the world of dental care from a consumer’s perspective. So whether you’re looking to brighten that smile or simply protect your wallet, we’ve got you covered with practical advice and the latest insights. Stick around as we uncover the secrets to maintaining both your dental health and your finances. Dr Yudelman, welcome back.

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (0:44 – 1:25)
Thanks. It seems like only a couple of days ago that we spoke, but there goes another week. Our time flies.
Yeah, it’s crazy. We’ve been getting a great response to all those four Yachty podcasts. And if any Yachtys are listening to this episode today, we’ve created a special Yachty page on our website featuring other interesting tips, advice and articles.
So, share that with your Yachty friends. And if you’re not a Yachty and you’re thinking about it, the podcast may inspire you. There are some interesting insights into Yachty life.
And today, what have we got?

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (1:26 – 1:44)
Hollywood makeovers versus real-life transformations. Now this is going to be interesting. Dr Yudelman, what exactly do people mean by a ‘Hollywood smile’ and how does it compare to what most everyday patients actually want or need?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (1:44 – 2:31)
I love the way you put that – about what you want and what you need. When people say a Hollywood smile, they usually picture super white, perfectly even teeth; something you’d see on the red carpet. But in real life, that may not always look natural or suit someone’s face.
Most of us want a beautiful smile, but we also want to feel comfortable and for it to look like it belongs to us rather than appearing to be someone else’s grin. Some of these actors all start looking the same after a while. There’s nothing wrong with admiring white teeth or desiring a show‐stopping smile, but it’s really about finding the right balance so that it suits you day to day.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (2:31 – 2:44)
Okay. And how important is it for patients to maintain their personal identity when seeking these aesthetic dental treatments rather than simply copying a celebrity look?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (2:44 – 5:06)
I always say your smile should feel like you. Copying a celebrity can be fun as inspiration, but what works for them might not work for your face, your face shape or your lifestyle. We get especially younger females bringing in a photo of their favourite actress or the latest supermodel and saying, “I want my teeth to look like that.”
It’s fine to use that as inspiration or to get an idea of what the patient is after. However, if you go too extreme – for example, a super white or exaggerated shape – you will lose that authentic look that makes your smile uniquely yours. When your teeth are restored to the correct position, whitened to a natural colour that mimics natural enamel, and shaped and sized appropriately for your mouth, they will always look better than in some of these makeovers where the teeth have been completely changed.
When patients keep their individuality in mind, they’re generally happier with the end result and it blends seamlessly with their natural features. Of course, it comes down to what the patient wants, and what they believe they want, which is why we have to find that happy medium ahead of time. We’ve had cases where patients have wanted extremely white teeth and we try to talk them out of it or warn them.
There have been instances, particularly with injection-moulded composite bonding, where if we’ve done the teeth too white it takes considerable time to remove them and redo the work. This has happened with a few patients at OptiSmile who chose an excessively white shade against our better judgement. Immediately afterwards, they looked in the mirror and said, “You were right, doc – how can I go to work like this on Monday?” That’s a real-life story right there.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (5:07 – 5:20)
Now, digital smile design is often discussed in modern dentistry. How does it help create a balanced, natural look and why is it not just about making teeth extremely white?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (5:21 – 5:57)
Digital smile design is brilliant because it lets us preview how different sizes or shapes of teeth will suit your face – we’re not merely guessing. It isn’t just about brightening teeth; it’s about considering your overall facial harmony, including the way your lips, gums and teeth interact.
This planning stage helps us avoid outcomes that are too white and too perfect. We’re enhancing your smile while ensuring it still feels real. Often, when we’re working on these digital smile design cases, we’re only making very subtle improvements on what is already there.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (5:58 – 6:16)
All right. And, you know, celebrities often accept dramatic changes for a role or for the stage. From your experience, what sort of lifestyle factors should a regular patient keep in mind before choosing any drastic cosmetic treatment?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (6:17 – 6:53)
Look, celebrities might need their new look for a specific tour or film shoot, whereas you’ll be wearing your smile 24/7, so it must be practical. If you’re super busy, you may not want high-maintenance veneers – we’ve discussed veneers before – but I’ve got a few stories about that. And, of course, comfort is key.
If your new smile feels awkward or too bulky, you won’t be confident wearing it. We’ll delve into those stories further in the next few questions.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (6:54 – 7:24)
Many high-profile smile makeovers appear flawless at first, but they don’t always look natural over time. After all, isn’t the whole point to make it look natural? It’s like getting Botox – you don’t want to look as if your face has been frozen. You still want to look like yourself. So, what are some common pitfalls with bold or overly protected veneers, and how do they hold up in everyday life, doctor?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (7:25 – 11:06)
That overly perfected look is a major issue. When veneers are shaped or coloured so dramatically that they appear fake – sometimes right from the start – problems can arise. I recently attended a concert by a well-known singer on world tour. I won’t mention names because he’s long been hounded by the paparazzi, and it has really affected him.
I watched a documentary in which he expressed great satisfaction with his teeth. After the concert, I discovered that he had been treated by a dentist who practices in both the US and Dubai – a dentist who also treats many Hollywood celebrities. Although he claims to be doing veneers, in many cases it’s actually crowns.
We’re going to discuss ‘turkey teeth’ and the dangers of what you think are veneers that end up being overly filed-down teeth. One of the biggest problems is that too much structure is removed. This can lead to sensitivity and longevity problems. That bright, white, stage‐ready smile might look amazing on TV or on stage, but in person, it can be quite off-putting.
I witnessed that musician being interviewed – he absolutely loves his teeth, which makes me cautious about criticising too harshly. As a dentist, I can see many aspects we would have done differently if he weren’t a celebrity. In fact, we have had some patients at OptiSmile who previously visited that very same dentist. This particular dentist charges US$5,000 per tooth – and most patients end up having all of their teeth done (usually 28, not including the wisdom teeth). You can easily work out the total cost – over US$140,000.
Beyond the cost, there is the biological cost. Teeth are being filed down – something we’ve discussed on previous podcasts. In one case, the dentist kept insisting he used handmade ceramic veneers – or handmade ceramic, as he called them – but in reality, patients had their teeth filed down, then a modern, strong zirconia core was used with ceramic built up on top. Within a year, one patient had four or five of these restorations chipping. For a musician or celebrity, getting replacements might not be a major issue; however, if you’ve spent even 100,000 or 200,000 Rand versus US$140,000, it still represents a significant cost.
The chief concern, even if money is not an issue, is the biological cost of having your teeth repeatedly drilled down. In this particular case, one patient eventually lost several teeth and had to receive implants just a few years after travelling to Los Angeles to see the famous dentist.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (11:07 – 11:26)
That’s a lot of money. But for a well-known pop or rock star, it might not be a problem. Anyway, could you explain the importance of underlying oral health – like strong tooth structure and gum health – before one considers cosmetic enhancements, doctor?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (11:27 – 12:38)
I like to remind people that you can’t put fancy wallpaper on crumbling walls. If there’s decay or gum disease, it must be treated first.
Healthy gums and stable teeth help cosmetic work last longer and look better over time. We want your new smile to be built on a solid foundation, not merely a façade covering hidden problems that may worsen later. At OptiSmile, our patient charter isn’t just about cosmetic dentistry; we’re here to optimise your overall health – oral, general and even mental health – so you can smile with confidence. It isn’t about how your teeth look or what others think; it’s about how you feel when you smile as you walk into a room.
Now, back to the subject – I’m ready for the next question.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (12:40 – 12:52)
Some people believe that a dream smile can be achieved overnight. In reality, how much planning and time does a truly successful smile makeover require?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (12:53 – 15:55)
I’m very much against one-day makeovers. We see plenty of cases on Instagram and from certain famous dentists in Hollywood, Dubai, or London. Often it’s a quick fix – for example, instead of straightening a tooth, they extract it and do an implant.
Even if the financial cost isn’t a concern, the biological cost is significant. We often talk about the three different costs: firstly, the obvious financial cost of the treatment today; secondly, the time cost in terms of multiple visits; and thirdly, if you require orthodontic treatment (for example, Invisalign), it can take months, even a year, to position the teeth correctly. This all contributes to the overall biological cost.
If everything is planned properly – if your teeth are already in a good position and you simply require natural whitening – the biological cost can be zero. No tooth is unnecessarily filed down, and the risk of future root canals or implants is minimised.
If the shape needs altering, it can be achieved with bonding or injection-moulded composite bonding, or, in some cases, minimal invasive veneers – which is what people originally expected from veneers. Rushing an overnight success without a thorough, holistic dental treatment plan can lead to regrets. The final shape or shade might not suit you as well as anticipated.
Taking the time to use digital previews allows you to fine-tune what you want. The last thing you want is to go to Dubai, Los Angeles, or even OptiSmile, and have the dentist say, “Leave it to me.” Before you know it, they’ve filed your teeth down, fitted temporaries, and only after a couple of weeks do you see the final result – when it might be too late, and you’ve already paid a substantial amount.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (15:56 – 16:08)
Now, in your experience, do people ever regret going too far in their pursuit of a celebrity look? Also, what lessons can be learned from these situations?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (16:09 – 16:54)
We’ve seen many cases where patients, often coming from other dentists, have veneers that are too thick, too large or excessively white – so much so that they no longer recognise themselves. Redoing these treatments is much more difficult and carries a greater biological cost. It’s essential to do your research.
If maintenance or overall aesthetics become a hassle, patients can end up feeling disappointed or self-conscious. The key lesson is to find the middle ground – something that elevates your smile without feeling fake, ensuring it still feels like you. That approach is always much better.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (16:55 – 17:08)
Then I also want to ask you, doctor, how can dentists work with patients to ensure their new smile looks natural, complements their face shape, and still feels like them?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (17:09 – 18:50)
First and foremost, we listen. We speak to you to understand what you like about your smile and what you’d love to change, so we know where to start. We’re happy to review photos of celebrities or even photos of your teeth from when you were younger – or even your granny’s or your twin sister’s teeth. I recall an interesting case where a patient’s identical twin sister had veneers done somewhere in Durban. Fortunately for the sister, minimal tooth reduction was required; the veneers, however, turned out too thick. We opted to remove them. For the first sister, we performed injection-moulded composite bonding and enhanced her smile to the point where her sister travelled all the way from Durban to see us and request the same treatment.
In that case – happily, because her teeth had not been overly filed down – we were able to replicate the design digitally, lathe off the veneers without drilling and ensure that her new smile fit perfectly. The two sisters ended up looking identical once more. Isn’t that a great story?

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (18:50 – 18:52)
That’s an amazing story, doctor.

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (18:54 – 20:29)
Sorry – I got a bit sidetracked. To return to your question on ensuring the smile complements your face shape and still feels like you: we use tools such as digital previews and temporary mock-ups. This collaborative process allows you to see and feel the proposed changes, share feedback and make adjustments until everyone agrees that the result looks and feels great. We have extensive experience with injection-moulded composite bonding and digital smile design.
Our patients trust us. Often, I arrange a Zoom or Google Meet to show them their design in 3D before it goes to the lab. For those still uncertain, we may print a model and create a mould, filling it with a tooth-coloured resin to fit temporarily in your mouth. You can examine it, even take it home for a few days to show your partner, and then return with any feedback before we finalise the treatment. Thanks to modern digital planning, significant changes are rarely necessary – and our patients usually love the design work. Our long-standing relationship with a fantastic lab is a crucial part of this process.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (20:30 – 20:42)
And finally, if someone is considering a cosmetic procedure, what key advice would you offer to ensure they get a healthy, long-lasting result that they’re truly happy with?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (20:43 – 22:30)
Firstly, get a thorough check-up so that you know your gums and teeth are in good condition before focussing solely on cosmetics. Have an honest chat with your dentist about what’s realistic – both financially and in terms of maintenance – so there are no unpleasant surprises. Remember, a smile is personal. Choose an option that boosts your confidence but still feels authentic to who you are.
Avoid the temptation of a rushed Hollywood makeover or a so-called Hollywood smile. Steer clear of dentists who specialise solely in ceramic veneers and don’t offer Invisalign, or who try to talk you out of natural whitening by claiming that they can straighten your teeth with veneers alone. These are the cases where excessive tooth reduction is carried out, increasing the risk of root canals or long-term tooth loss. Veneers produced in this manner will not look natural. By contrast, if you opt for natural whitening, combined with proper alignment using braces or Invisalign, and then employ very lightweight bonding or minimally invasive veneers – which is how veneers are meant to be done – you’ll retain 95% of your natural tooth structure rather than having 50% drilled away. Hopefully, that’s the takeaway message: be yourself – everyone else is already taken.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (22:31 – 23:17)
Absolutely – that concludes our discussion on Hollywood makeovers versus real-life transformations. It has been very, very insightful. A big thank you to Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile for sharing your expertise.
To our listeners: while we strive to provide valuable insights, always consult your own dental professional for advice tailored to your personal health. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more enlightening discussions, and join us again next week as we continue to explore the fascinating intersection of dental health and financial savvy. Until then, keep smiling and take great care of your teeth.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (23:34 – 24:18)
Discover the world of dental excellence with OptiSmile. Join us for a weekly podcast featuring Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile, a seasoned expert with 40 years of dental experience across four continents. Gain unique insights and expert dental advice by visiting OptiSmile.co.za for articles that illuminate the path to optimal oral health. If you’re seeking unparalleled dental care in Cape Town, get in touch with OptiSmile or book directly online at OptiSmile.co.za. OptiSmile – where global expertise meets local care.