The decision to transform your smile often stems from years of feeling self-conscious, hiding your teeth in photos, or avoiding social situations altogether. A smile makeover addresses not just the aesthetic concerns but the emotional weight you’ve been carrying. From the first consultation to the moment you see your new smile, this journey requires trust, patience, and a dentist committed to getting every detail right.
We sat down with Dr. Joseph Gelo to discuss what patients can expect during a complete smile makeover. With over a decade of experience serving the Las Vegas community and more than 500 hours of specialized dental implant education, Dr. Gelo shares his approach to creating beautiful, life-changing smiles while managing expectations every step of the way.
Understanding the Initial Consultation
The first appointment sets the tone for your entire smile makeover experience. During this consultation, your dentist needs to understand more than just what you want your teeth to look like.
“The initial consultation is about understanding the patient’s expectations and determining if I can meet them,” Dr. Gelo explains. “There are always nuances that will be different for each person’s case.”
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. You can’t simply hand your dentist a picture of a Hollywood smile and expect identical results. Every person’s dental structure is different, and your dentist must consider factors like tooth size, shape, and how changes will affect your overall facial appearance.
Dr. Gelo emphasizes the importance of addressing the emotional aspect during this first meeting. “You need to understand their psychology. Something may have been bothering them for years, making them feel self-conscious. That’s the first thing you need to address. Let’s make you feel comfortable. We’re going to make you happy and make it better.”
Managing Expectations Throughout the Process
One of the most critical aspects of a successful smile makeover is honest communication about timelines and results. Many patients come in after seeing advertisements promising quick fixes.
“I get so many patients who come in after seeing commercials for teeth in a day, and I tell them I do not do teeth in a day,” Dr. Gelo states. “It’s a long process, and I go through the entire process with them from start to finish.”
The timeline for a complete smile makeover using veneers, crowns, or dental implants can take as long as a year. However, this extended timeline serves a purpose. It allows your dentist to ensure every detail is perfect before completing the final work.
“I promise you we will not stop until you’re happy with it,” Dr. Gelo says. “We want you to be happy. We want the work to be excellent. Then we’re done.”
This approach means never rushing the process just to complete treatment faster. It means being honest about what’s achievable and maintaining that honesty throughout every appointment. As Dr. Gelo puts it, “We never lie or try to make you happy just to get your money. We don’t play that game.”
What Makes This Process Different
The difference between getting a smile makeover at a family practice versus a corporate chain comes down to time and attention. At larger practices, patient volume often takes priority over individual care.
“We take the time with them,” Dr. Gelo explains. “That’s the difference between us and a corporate chain. Corporate chains have so many patients waiting, and you’re just a number to them. All they care about is the bottom line.”
If you’re not comfortable proceeding with treatment on a particular day, a patient-focused practice will respect that decision. “If we don’t get to do the treatment that day because the patient isn’t comfortable, we take the hit. We’re not going to force you,” says Dr. Gelo.
This approach extends to every appointment throughout your smile makeover journey. You’re encouraged to take your time, ask questions, and only move forward when you feel ready.
The Emotional Impact of Your New Smile
After months of planning, temporary restorations, and careful adjustments, the final reveal becomes an incredibly meaningful moment.
“A lot of patients cry,” Dr. Gelo shares. “Especially if they didn’t have the most aesthetic teeth before. When they see these new, perfect teeth and a beautiful smile, many of them get very emotional. It’s very rewarding.”
The impact goes beyond just having straighter or whiter teeth. For many people, a smile makeover fundamentally changes their confidence and how they interact with the world.
Dr. Gelo recalls one patient who is a performer in Las Vegas. “He tells me all the time, ‘Now I feel confident around these people. Now I’m able to smile, and I don’t feel like I should hide my smile because they all have perfect smiles, and I didn’t. Now I feel like I can show it off to the world.'”
Dr. Gelo recognizes the profound impact cosmetic dentistry has on mental health and overall quality of life. “It’s life-changing,” he says. “The boost to someone’s confidence and self-esteem can be truly transformative. I would say that’s lifesaving in some cases.”
Begin Your Smile Transformation With Amazing Smile Dentistry
Your smile makeover journey deserves a dentist who will take the time to get it right. At Amazing Smile Dentistry, Dr. Joseph Gelo combines his extensive training in dental implants and cosmetic dentistry with genuine care for each patient’s unique needs and concerns. As an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, Dr. Gelo brings both technical skill and an honest, no-nonsense approach to every smile transformation.
Whether you’re interested in veneers, dental implants, or a complete smile makeover, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. We’ll never rush you, never make promises we can’t keep, and never stop working until you’re genuinely happy with your results. Ready to start your journey to a confident, beautiful smile? Contact our Las Vegas office today to schedule your consultation.