Simon Cowell’s smile continues to draw attention, not only because the longtime “X Factor” and “American Idol” judge was once known for his stern on-screen demeanor, but also due to the dramatic changes to his teeth over the years.
Early photos from 1994 show Cowell with natural teeth that were slightly crooked and discolored—far from the bright, uniform smile he displays today. In an effort to counter the stereotype of “bad British teeth,” Cowell underwent whitening treatments and later opted for veneers, a decision that has kept him in the public eye.
Undo
His dental work became a renewed topic of discussion in May 2025, when a video posted to his Instagram account went viral. While comments were disabled on the original post, reactions on TikTok were less restrained. Users criticized the intensity of his smile, with some describing the veneers as unnaturally white and ill-fitting.
Undo
Cowell’s most notable transformation came after a 2019 visit to a cosmetic dentist, which resulted in an extremely bright set of veneers that many felt looked excessive. The reaction prompted a return to the dentist in 2020, when celebrity dentist Dr. Michael Apa refined the look to appear more natural. Cowell later shared a photo with Apa, signaling his satisfaction with the revised results.
Undo
In recent years, Cowell has acknowledged that he may have gone too far with cosmetic procedures. In a 2022 interview with The Sun, he said he barely recognized himself in older photos and admitted that heavy use of Botox had left him looking “like something out of a horror film.” Since then, he has reduced his use of fillers and embraced a more restrained appearance.
While Cowell’s smile remains unmistakably enhanced, the toned-down veneers reflect a broader shift toward moderation—an adjustment that suggests even the most high-profile makeovers can benefit from a second look.