It isn't every day that a sitting governor posts a five-minute infomercial about their dental work. But back in March 2024, that is exactly what South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem did. She hopped on social media to gush about her "new family" at Smile Texas, a cosmetic dentistry firm based in Sugar Land.
People were confused. Naturally.
The internet immediately started hunting for kristi noem teeth before and after pictures to see what actually changed. Was it just a quick cleaning? Or was it a full-blown "Hollywood smile" makeover? Honestly, the transformation was pretty noticeable, but the drama that followed was even bigger than the dental bill.
The Backstory: A Biking Accident and Years of Zooming
According to Noem herself, this wasn't just about vanity. In the video—which felt like it was ripped straight from a late-night QVC segment—she explained that she had knocked out her front teeth in a biking accident years ago.
She'd been living with "adjustments" that weren't quite right. She mentioned that she had actually consulted with the Texas team via Zoom several years prior but couldn't find the time to actually get the work done until recently.
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When you look at kristi noem teeth before and after pictures, the "before" shots usually show a perfectly fine, professional smile. She was already a public figure, after all. However, if you look closer at high-res photos from her early gubernatorial days, there was a bit more natural variation in the shape and "whiteness" of her teeth.
The "after" is what dentists call an "executive" or "feminine" smile. It’s ultra-white, perfectly symmetrical, and designed to pop on camera. For someone who was frequently on the shortlist for a VP nod at the time, having a "broadcast-ready" look is basically part of the job description.
What Really Changed?
If you’re scouring the web for a side-by-side, here is what you’re actually seeing:
- Uniformity: Her original teeth had slight natural overlaps or uneven edges. The new ones are laser-straight.
- The "Veneer" Glow: The brightness in the recent photos is several shades whiter than her natural enamel.
- The Bite: She specifically mentioned an "adjustment" to her bite. This usually means the way her top and bottom teeth meet was corrected, which can subtly change the shape of the lower face.
Basically, she went from "South Dakota Governor" to "National News Anchor" in terms of aesthetics.
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Why the Lawsuit?
The drama didn't stop at the dentist's chair. A consumer advocacy group called Travelers United actually sued her. They argued that because she didn't disclose if she got the work for free or at a discount, she was acting as an undisclosed "influencer."
It’s a weird spot to be in. You’re a governor, but you’re also filming what looks like a paid testimonial.
"Sitting politicians do not typically work as part-time social media influencers," the lawsuit famously stated.
The group alleged that the video was a "misleading and deceptive" advertisement. They pointed out that Smile Texas often promotes "medical tourism." They argued that Noem was essentially selling a service to her followers without the required "Ad" or "Sponsored" tags that the FTC usually demands from influencers.
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The South Dakota Reaction
Back home, things got even saltier. State Senator Reynold Nesiba, a Democrat, found the whole thing "very strange." He wanted to know if she used the state airplane or public funds to fly to Texas for the procedure.
It’s one thing to get your teeth fixed. It’s another to use taxpayer resources (if that was the case, though it was never fully proven) to go out of state for a procedure you could probably get in Sioux Falls.
Actionable Insights for Your Own Smile
If you’re looking at kristi noem teeth before and after pictures because you’re thinking about your own makeover, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Veneers are a Commitment: You usually have to shave down some of your natural tooth structure. It’s not reversible.
- The "Texas" Look: Many high-end cosmetic clinics go for a very white, very "perfect" look. If you want something more natural, you have to specifically ask for "incisal translucency" (the slightly clear bits at the bottom of real teeth).
- Local vs. Travel: Medical tourism for dental work is huge, but remember that if a veneer pops off or you have a bite issue, your local dentist might be hesitant to fix another doctor's work.
To get the best results for your own dental journey, start by scheduling a consultation with a local prosthodontist who specializes in aesthetic reconstruction. They can show you a digital mockup of your "after" before you ever touch a drill, ensuring you don't end up with a smile that looks like a political advertisement unless that's exactly what you're going for.