If you’re finally considering cosmetic dentistry to achieve your dream smile, one of the biggest questions on your mind might be concerning the timeline – just how long does it actually take to enhance your smile? The answer depends on the type of treatment you choose, the complexity of your case, and whether multiple procedures are involved. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common cosmetic dental treatments, their expected timelines, and their unparalleled benefits so you can plan out your smile transformation with the utmost confidence!
How Long Will It Take to Improve My Smile?
The timeline of your cosmetic dental journey will depend heavily on the treatments involved, but it’s good to keep in mind that addressing one or two teeth will inevitably be quicker than addressing many. Likewise, simple issues are easier to resolve than complex ones. That’s why speaking with your dentist during a consultation is so valuable; you’ll get all the information you need to make an informed choice that suits you. Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular treatments and their usual timelines:
Teeth Whitening
This is a relatively quick procedure that can be completed in just a few minutes during a single visit. If being done using at-home kits, the process takes longer, usually a few weeks – but it can be completed gradually and at the patient’s convenience. Whitening results can last a few months or a couple of years with excellent oral care.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a speedy and painless procedure that can be used to fix all sorts of minor issues like chips, cracks, and beyond. The process typically takes half an hour per tooth and can be completed in a single visit, with results lasting several years.
Veneers
Veneers are considered one of the most comprehensive cosmetic treatments, capable of masking a wide assortment of issues in one or multiple teeth. The process for getting them requires teeth to be slightly altered, and the veneers need to be custom-made to mimic your natural teeth. You can expect to need two appointments over a couple of weeks.
Metal-Free Restorations
Crowns are one of the go-to solutions for teeth that are severely damaged or decayed and in need of help. Traditionally, receiving a crown takes multiple visits over a couple of weeks, due to their high level of customization.
Remember, while you can’t necessarily speed up the cosmetic treatment process, there are a few things you can do to ensure a smooth process, such as following all of your dentist’s instructions closely and keeping up with your oral hygiene, to keep your beautiful new results intact! Either way, you don’t normally have to wait very long to enhance your smile with cosmetic dentistry; treatments are only getting more customized, more capable, and quicker to perform.
About the Author
After earning her DDS at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Dr. Kara Arnold spent countless hours continuing her education in a variety of fields, including cosmetic dentistry. Now, she’s able to assist patients in Parker and help them achieve all of their smile goals. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up an appointment, please reach out online or by phone today for information or assistance. Telephone: (303) 797-6453.