Executive producer, influencer and television personality Tebogo Ramokgadi has travelled to Dubai to refresh the smile that has become part of his signature look, spending approximately R18,000 on a professional polishing treatment.
Tebogo previously invested around R100,000 in his smile and says the latest treatment is about maintenance, confidence and taking care of his oral health as he prepares for the next stage of his career.
The Dubai trip comes as he gets ready for the second season of his reality show, Diamond and Dolls, while also developing new entertainment projects and expanding his international work.
“I believe your smile says a lot about you. For me, it is about confidence, presentation and taking care of myself. I also wanted to make sure I was looking after my teeth properly, not simply chasing a white smile,” he says.
More than a cosmetic investment
Tebogo’s trip comes during National Oral Health Month in September, which highlights the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
While cosmetic dentistry is often associated with appearance and confidence, oral health extends beyond having a bright smile. Cavities and gum disease are among the most common oral health problems globally, while gum disease is also widespread in South Africa.
Tebogo says his investment in his smile should not be viewed as a replacement for everyday dental care.
“For me, yes. Your smile is something you carry everywhere. But I also want people to understand that spending money on a smile doesn’t replace looking after your oral health. You still have to brush, floss, have regular dental check-ups, and take care of your gums. Luxury treatment is one thing; the everyday routine is what really matters,” he says.
He also stresses that healthy gums and teeth are more important than simply having a smile that photographs well.
“To me, having great oral health means having healthy teeth and healthy gums, not just teeth that look good in photographs. Your mouth is part of your body, so you have to take care of it properly. A beautiful smile means very little if you are ignoring pain, gum problems, or poor hygiene,” he says.
What exactly is a Hollywood smile?
The term “Hollywood smile” is often used broadly to describe a highly polished cosmetic smile, but Tebogo says it should not automatically be confused with veneers.
“People often use the terms interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same thing. Veneers are thin coverings placed over the front surface of teeth to change their appearance, while a ‘Hollywood smile’ generally refers to the overall cosmetic result – the shape, colour, alignment, and appearance of the smile,” he says.
According to Tebogo, a Hollywood smile can involve different cosmetic dental treatments depending on an individual’s needs.
“For me, these are 100% my own teeth,” he adds.
A new chapter for Diamond and Dolls
The Dubai trip also comes as Tebogo prepares for Season 2 of Diamond and Dolls.
He says the upcoming season will reflect his personal and professional growth since the first instalment, with new personalities, experiences and a greater focus on lifestyle, travel and ambition.
“Going into Season 2 of Diamond and Dolls, I’m developing new television and entertainment ideas, working internationally, and travelling more. Season 2 is bigger, more elevated, and more intentional. I’ve grown since the first season, and the show has grown with me,” he says.
Viewers can expect new dolls and personalities alongside fashion, travel, relationships, business and the realities of an aspirational lifestyle.
“It’s still reality, but we’re taking the production and the storytelling to another level. It’s about personalities, fashion, travel, ambition, relationships, business, and the realities that come with living a certain lifestyle,” he says.
Tebogo says he wants the show to entertain while also showcasing creativity, aspiration and different possibilities.
From Dubai to Bangkok
His international travel schedule will continue after Dubai, with Tebogo heading to Bangkok as his entertainment and lifestyle projects continue to develop.
For him, the renewed smile is therefore not simply about appearance, but forms part of a broader period of personal branding, television production, travel and new business opportunities.
As he enters the next chapter of his career, Tebogo says maintaining his oral health will remain part of his overall self-care routine.
“Don’t wait until something hurts before you see a dentist. Take your oral health seriously. Brush properly, floss, have regular dental check-ups, and pay attention to your gums,” he says.
“We spend so much time investing in our clothes, our skin, our hair, and our appearance, but your teeth deserve the same attention.”
