5 Shocking Revelations About Old Nene Leakes' Teeth And Her Million-Dollar Smile Transformation

The evolution of Nene Leakes' look is one of the most talked-about aesthetic journeys in reality television history, and at the core of that change is her dramatic dental transformation. Since her debut on *The Real Housewives of Atlanta* (RHOA) in 2008, Nene Leakes has consistently reinvented her image, but no single change sparked more conversation—or a lasting trend—than the shift from her original smile to the dazzling, perfect veneers she flaunts today. As of December 2025, the fascination with her "old teeth" remains a crucial touchstone for fans and critics alike, marking the definitive "before" in her rise to a pop culture icon.

The public's curiosity about Nene's aesthetic choices is endless, and the story of her dental work is not just about a cosmetic procedure; it's a narrative of ambition, celebrity influence, and the pursuit of Hollywood perfection. This deep dive uncovers the details of her original look, the technical specifics of her "million-dollar smile," and the celebrity dentist who helped usher in her new era, solidifying her status as a trendsetter in the world of cosmetic dentistry.

Nene Leakes: A Quick Biography & Profile

Linnethia "Nene" Monique Leakes is an American television personality, actress, presenter, author, and fashion designer. She is best known for her role as an original cast member on the Bravo reality television series *The Real Housewives of Atlanta* (RHOA).

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• Full Name: Linnethia Monique Johnson (Leakes is her married name)
• Date of Birth: December 13, 1967
• Age (as of December 2025): 58
• Place of Birth: Athens, Georgia, U.S.
• Occupation: Television Personality, Actress, Author, Fashion Designer, Businesswoman
• Known For: *The Real Housewives of Atlanta* (RHOA), *Glee*, *The New Normal*, *Fashion Police*
• Spouse: Gregg Leakes (married 1997–2011; 2013–2021, until his death)
• Children: Bryson Bryant, Brentt Leakes
• Signature Phrase: "I said what I said."
• Reality TV Tenure: RHOA Seasons 1–7, 10–12 (and guest appearances)

The Definitive 'Before': Unpacking the Old Nene Leakes Teeth

When Nene Leakes first burst onto the scene in 2008 on RHOA, her personality was instantly magnetic, but her appearance was that of a star still in transformation. The term "old Nene Leakes teeth" refers to the natural dental structure she had during the show's initial seasons, before her significant cosmetic enhancements.

During the early years of RHOA, her smile was notably different from the one she sports today. Her natural teeth were smaller, had gaps, and lacked the uniform brightness and symmetry that modern cosmetic dentistry provides. This original smile became a point of public discussion, and even a source of on-screen tension, particularly during her famous feuds with other cast members like Kim Zolciak-Biermann.

1. The Reality TV Pressure Cooker

The transition from a local personality to a national celebrity placed Nene under intense scrutiny. Reality television, particularly the *Real Housewives* franchise, is notorious for putting cast members' appearances under a microscope. This pressure is widely believed to be a major driving force behind Nene’s decision to pursue a full dental makeover. Her original teeth, while natural, did not fit the increasingly polished and glamorous aesthetic of a burgeoning Hollywood star.

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2. The Infamous "Eaten Teeth" Comment

One of the most memorable and stinging insults hurled at Nene Leakes regarding her original smile came from her long-time rival, Kim Zolciak-Biermann. In a heated argument, Zolciak-Biermann infamously suggested that Nene had "eaten" her missing teeth, a cruel jab that highlighted the public and cast’s focus on Nene’s dental flaws. This moment cemented the "old Nene Leakes teeth" as a pop culture reference point for her pre-transformation look.

The Veneer Revolution: How Nene Leakes Launched a Smile Trend

The transformation of Nene Leakes' smile was not a gradual change; it was a dramatic, definitive overhaul that instantly upgraded her celebrity status. This procedure, which involved getting a full set of porcelain veneers, is a cornerstone of her overall aesthetic journey, which also included rhinoplasty and breast augmentation.

3. The Celebrity Dentist Behind the Transformation

Nene Leakes’ new, radiant smile was the work of a top-tier cosmetic dentist, Dr. Sam Saleh, DDS, of ORA Dentistry Spa in Beverly Hills. Dr. Saleh is a well-known name in celebrity cosmetic dentistry, having worked with several figures in the *Real Housewives* universe. He has publicly acknowledged the dramatic transformation he achieved with Nene, stating, "I saw a big transformation, when I did NeNe Leakes teeth."

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The procedure involved fitting her with porcelain veneers—thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surface of the teeth. This process corrected the issues of gaps, size, shape, and color, delivering the bright, uniform, and symmetrical "Hollywood smile" she possesses today. The choice of veneers over simple whitening or bonding signified a total commitment to a new, polished image.

4. The Rise of the "Neon White" Smile Criticism

While the transformation was a success in achieving a flawless look, it was not without criticism. The new, bright white veneers were often described by fans and commentators as being "too perfect" or having a "neon white" hue. This critique is common in cosmetic dentistry, where the pursuit of extreme brightness can sometimes lead to an unnatural appearance. Despite the criticism, Nene Leakes’ choice set a new standard for reality star aesthetics, making her an undeniable trendsetter in the world of cosmetic enhancements.

The Ongoing Legacy of a 'Real Housewives' Transformation

Even in late 2025, Nene Leakes' dental journey remains highly relevant. Her decision to openly embrace cosmetic procedures, including her dental work, helped normalize the discussion around celebrity enhancements. She is often credited with kickstarting the trend of reality stars getting veneers, a procedure now ubiquitous across the Bravo network and beyond.

5. The Unmistakable Shift in Public Perception (2024/2025)

The contrast between the "old Nene Leakes teeth" and her current smile is so stark that it is often used as a benchmark for her overall transformation. A recent public discussion in late 2024 highlighted how significantly her look has changed, with some fans deeming her "unrecognizable" compared to her Season 1 self. This ongoing commentary confirms that her dental work is not just a past event but a permanent, defining feature of her public persona.

The veneers are now an integral part of her brand—a symbol of her success and her ability to evolve in the demanding world of celebrity. By investing in her smile, Nene Leakes didn't just change her appearance; she changed the trajectory of her career, presenting a more confident, polished, and powerful image that resonated with her growing empire.

The journey from the "old Nene Leakes teeth" to her current, dazzling smile serves as a powerful case study in celebrity self-reinvention. It underscores the profound impact cosmetic dentistry can have on a public figure's career, cementing Nene Leakes' legacy not just as a reality television icon, but as a pioneer of the modern reality star aesthetic.