Everyone has that one thing they’re self-conscious about. For Carl Radke, the breakout star of Bravo’s Summer House, it was his teeth. If you’ve been following the Hamptons drama since season one, you probably noticed the change. It wasn't just a "glow up" from drinking more water.
The Carl Teeth Before and After Reality
Early on, Carl's smile was... well, normal. It was a "real" smile. In those first few seasons, his teeth were slightly discolored and had some minor alignment issues. Honestly, it didn't stop him from being the resident heartthrob, but fans on Reddit and Twitter (now X) were brutal. They pointed out the yellowing, especially when he was working in dental sales of all things. Talk about irony.
But here is the thing: it wasn't just about vanity.
Carl eventually opened up about the trauma behind his original smile. He wasn't just born with "bad" teeth. As a kid, he took a hockey stick and a baseball to the face in two separate accidents. That kind of impact does more than just chip a tooth; it kills the roots. By the time he was in his late 30s, those roots were literally resorbing—basically dying from the inside out.
What actually changed?
Around 2022, the transformation became impossible to ignore. His new smile was blinding. Straight, perfectly symmetrical, and incredibly white. This wasn't just a whitening strip situation. We’re talking a full set of porcelain veneers.
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The reaction was mixed, to put it lightly. Some fans loved the "new Carl," while others thought the veneers were "too big" or "too white" for his face. One dentist even hopped on a fan forum to claim the new teeth gave him a slight lisp. Whether you love them or hate them, the Carl teeth before and after comparison shows a man who was clearly ready to leave the physical reminders of his childhood accidents behind.
Why Do People Care So Much?
It's weirdly fascinating when a reality star changes their face. With Carl, it felt like part of a bigger "sobriety glow up." He stopped drinking, started therapy, and apparently, went to Beverly Hills for a brand-new mouth.
"Dental stuff is hard. I didn’t get my teeth fixed just because I’m on a reality TV show," Carl told Page Six in early 2025.
He admitted that his first set of veneers didn't quite hit the mark. They felt bulky. He actually went back to the drawing board to refine them. That's a level of honesty you don't always get from celebrities. Most people just pretend they "started using a new toothpaste."
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The technical side of the transformation
If you're looking at Carl's journey as a template for your own, it’s worth noting that he likely didn't just get 20 veneers slapped on in one afternoon. His process involved:
- Addressing root resorption: Dealing with the dying roots from his childhood injuries.
- Whitening: Bringing the base level of the remaining teeth up to match.
- Porcelain Veneers: Specifically chosen for durability and that "Hollywood" finish.
- Occlusion adjustments: Making sure he could actually bite down properly with the new hardware.
The transition from the 2015 "natural" Carl to the 2026 "polished" Carl is a masterclass in how modern cosmetic dentistry can completely reshape a person's profile. His face even looks thinner now, likely a combination of losing the "alcohol bloat" and the way new teeth can provide better structural support to the lips and cheeks.
The Cost of a Hollywood Smile
Let's talk money for a second. A transformation like the one we see in Carl teeth before and after photos isn't cheap. High-end veneers in New York or Beverly Hills can run anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 per tooth. If he did a full "smile line" (usually 8 to 10 teeth on top), you’re looking at a $30,000 to $40,000 investment.
Is it worth it?
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Carl seems to think so. Despite the "Ross from Friends" jokes from his castmates, he’s repeatedly said he’s happy. For a guy who has been through the ringer—losing his brother, a very public breakup with Lindsay Hubbard, and a high-pressure career in the spotlight—having a smile he’s proud of seems like a small win.
Lessons from Carl's Dental Journey
If you're sitting at home looking at your own "before" photo, there are a few takeaways here:
- Function first: Don't ignore pain or dying roots for the sake of aesthetics. Carl's dental health was actually at risk.
- Expect a "Version 1.0": Even celebrities don't always get it right the first time. It’s okay to go back and ask for adjustments if they feel too big or fake.
- The "Lisp" is real: Any time you change the length or thickness of your front teeth, your speech will change. It takes time for the tongue to relearn where to land.
- Sobriety helps: No amount of dental work can hide the physical toll of heavy partying. Carl’s teeth look great because the rest of him looks healthy too.
The reality is that Carl teeth before and after is more than just a search term for nosy fans. It's a story about a guy fixing something that had bothered him since he was a kid. It’s about moving on.
If you are considering a similar transformation, start by finding a prosthodontist who specializes in "functional aesthetics." Don't just ask for the "whitest shade available." Look for someone who considers your face shape and how you talk. A great smile should look like yours—just on its best day.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Consult a specialist: If you have old injuries like Carl, see a prosthodontist rather than a general dentist to check for root health.
- Request a "Wax-Up": Before committing to veneers, ask for a physical model of what your new teeth will look like in your mouth.
- Evaluate your "Why": Ensure you're doing it for your own confidence, not just to satisfy critics on social media.