Carl Radke, a star of Bravo’s hit reality show Summer House, is speaking out about his decision to get porcelain veneers, a choice he’s proud of despite facing criticism from fans and even one of his castmates. Radke, 40, has been open about his dental struggles, which began in childhood after suffering injuries from being hit in the face with a hockey stick and a baseball. These accidents not only chipped and damaged his teeth but also caused discoloration and root resorption, a condition where the teeth essentially begin to die. As a result, Radke has had to address his dental issues over the years, consulting with multiple dentists and surgeons before ultimately deciding on veneers as the best solution to achieve the smile he wanted.
Radke’s journey with his teeth has been a long and challenging one, and it’s something that has been documented on Summer House. Back in Season 1, he was even teased by some of his castmates and fans for having yellow teeth, which were his natural ones at the time. “When you get hit in the face a few times, they naturally can discolor,” he explained, reflecting on how the injuries affected not just the shape but also the color of his teeth. Despite the challenges, Radke has always been focused on finding a solution, and after years of consideration, he finally underwent the veneer procedure in 2022. The results have been life-changing for him, boosting his confidence and making him feel more comfortable in his own skin. “I’m happy with them,” he said of his new smile.
However, not everyone has been supportive of Radke’s decision. During Season 9 of Summer House, his castmate Gabby Prescod made a comment about his teeth, calling them “big-ass teeth” during a conversation with Radke’s ex-fiancée, Lindsay Hubbard. Prescod also took a jab at Radke’s sobriety and his line of non-alcoholic mocktails, suggesting that his teeth and lifestyle made him less likely to attract romantic interest. Radke, who has been a part of the show since its early days, admitted that Prescod’s comments were disappointing but not entirely surprising. “I think it’s more of a reflection of Gabby than it is of me,” he said, adding that he’s said his fair share of hurtful things in the past and understands that the show thrives on this kind of drama.
While Radke acknowledged Prescod’s comments, he made it clear that he doesn’t let them get to him. “I don’t really care that much,” he said, though he did admit that it’s frustrating to still be criticized for something as personal as his teeth, especially at the age of 40. He pointed out the irony of Prescod’s remarks, noting that Hubbard, who was pregnant at the time, was also not drinking, which made Prescod’s jab about his sobriety feel misplaced. Radke expressed hope that Prescod would focus on more substantive topics as the season progressed, saying, “I think she brings a lot to the table. And I’m hoping for more from Gabby, more than her talking about my teeth this season.”
Despite the criticism, Radke remains steadfast in his decision to get veneers, emphasizing that it was a personal choice driven by years of dental problems rather than his role on reality TV. He’s proud of how far he’s come and is grateful for the confidence his new smile has given him. “I’m a lot more confident and comfortable,” he said, reflecting on the positive impact of the procedure. Radke also made it clear that he holds no ill will toward Prescod, even going so far as to joke, “If they’re too big, I’m sorry Gabby.” For him, it’s about moving forward and not letting other people’s opinions dictate his happiness.
In the end, Radke’s story is one of resilience and self-improvement, showing how he’s overcome both physical and emotional challenges to find confidence and joy in his life. Whether it’s addressing his dental issues, navigating the ups and downs of reality TV, or dealing with criticism from others, Radke remains focused on being true to himself. As Summer House continues to air on Bravo, fans can tune in every Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET to see more of Radke’s journey and the drama that unfolds.
