Rylan Clark's bright, high-contrast smile is one of the most recognisable in British television — and it owes far more to cosmetic dentistry than whitening alone. He's spoken openly about his transformation since his X Factor days in 2012, and what you're looking at is consistent with full-coverage porcelain or zirconia crowns: the same family of treatments behind any bold "Hollywood smile". Here we walk through what that actually involves, how the materials differ, and what comparable treatment costs in Turkey.
Rylan's Documented Smile Story
Few celebrity smiles have been discussed as candidly in UK media as Rylan's. Early in his television career he underwent a striking makeover — replacing the appearance of his natural teeth with a uniform, very white, perfectly aligned set. Unlike the celebrity dentistry that aims to be undetectable, Rylan's result is deliberately bold. It's become part of his on-screen identity. That said, it's a personal aesthetic choice, not a clinical recommendation. A good clinic will always tailor brightness and shape to your specific face rather than reach for one fixed look.
What Type of Dental Work Is Involved?
A smile of this intensity and uniformity is usually built from full-coverage crowns rather than thin veneers. The distinction matters clinically:
- Veneers are thin shells bonded to the front of a tooth, removing relatively little enamel. The American Dental Association notes veneers are mainly used to improve colour, shape and minor alignment.
- Crowns cover the whole tooth and require more preparation, but allow a more uniform, dramatically bright result and can rebuild worn or heavily restored teeth.
Because crowns involve irreversible tooth reduction, candidacy matters. Active gum disease, untreated decay or heavy grinding (bruxism) usually needs addressing first — and anyone considering the removal of healthy enamel should understand that trade-off clearly. The NHS recommends discussing whether a more conservative option meets your goals before committing to full crowns.
E.max vs Zirconia: Sourcing the Right Material
The two materials behind most modern smile makeovers behave differently, and the choice shapes the final look:
| Property | E.max veneer | Zirconia crown |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Translucent, natural, light-reflective | Opaque, very bright, uniform |
| Strength | High, suited to front teeth | Very high, suited to bite-bearing teeth |
| Best for | Subtle, natural enhancement | Bold high-contrast "Hollywood" look |
| Tooth prep | Minimal (often veneer) | Full coverage (crown) |
For Rylan's deliberately bold style, layered or monolithic zirconia is the more typical choice — it holds a bright, even shade that E.max simply can't replicate. For a softer, more lifelike finish, E.max veneers preserve that natural translucency. At Bergedent we source certified ceramic blocks and verify provenance, because material quality and an experienced lab technician matter just as much as the headline price. Reputable veneers and crowns are well studied: a peer-reviewed survival analysis reports high long-term survival for porcelain veneers, though outcomes depend on case selection and home care, and no restoration is permanent.
How the Treatment Is Planned
A comprehensive makeover isn't a single appointment. It typically follows digital smile design, a wax-up or digital mock-up for your approval, temporary restorations, then the final crowns or veneers. At a full-service clinic this is usually completed over roughly 7–10 days. You can read more in our Hollywood smile guide and our broader Turkey teeth overview.
What a Similar Smile Costs in Turkey
Cost is the main reason UK patients travel to us. Indicative pricing at Bergedent Istanbul: E.max veneers from around £250–280 per tooth, and a 10-veneer Hollywood smile from around £2,500; a fuller 12–16 unit zirconia makeover is higher. Equivalent treatment in London frequently runs several times more. Prices are indicative and confirmed only after an in-person assessment. See current ranges on our veneers cost page.
If you're travelling for dental work, the NHS treatment-abroad checklist is well worth reading: confirm the clinic's accreditation, the clinician's qualifications, the materials used, and the aftercare and guarantee terms before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Rylan Clark get veneers?
His smile is consistent with veneers or, more likely given its uniform brightness, full-coverage crowns placed during a comprehensive makeover. He has discussed his dental work publicly.
Can I get a smile like Rylan's in Turkey?
Yes. A bold smile like his is usually achieved with zirconia crowns, while E.max veneers suit a more natural look. A clinical assessment determines which suits your teeth and goals.
Are veneers permanent?
No restoration lasts forever. Well-maintained porcelain restorations can last many years, but they may eventually need replacement — and prepared teeth will always need a restoration over them.
Considering a Smile Makeover?
Share your photos and goals with our team for a no-obligation clinical assessment and an indicative plan. Request a free consultation to discuss whether E.max veneers or zirconia crowns fit your case.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for an individual dental examination. Please read our medical disclaimer.