Thanks to cosmetic dentistry, you can give your confidence a boost by correcting cracks, stains, and other flaws on your smile. But how much time will it take for you to reach your aesthetic goals? As you can probably imagine, the answer to this question can vary quite a bit based on your situation. Below is a closer look at the factors that can influence the timeline of cosmetic dentistry and how long you can typically expect certain treatments to take.
What Can Affect the Timeline of Cosmetic Dentistry?
In general, the type of cosmetic dental treatment you get will have a major influence on how long the process takes. Some procedures can be completed in just one appointment, but others may require more than one visit.
On top of that, the complexity of your specific case can make a difference. For example, say that you want to get clear aligners to straighten crooked teeth. In general, the more severe your alignment issues are, the longer you can expect them to take to correct.
How Long Do Specific Cosmetic Dental Treatments Usually Take?
If you’re considering a specific type of cosmetic dentistry, it’s important to have an accurate idea of how long you can typically expect it to take. Here’s an overview of the timelines of some particularly popular cosmetic dental treatments:
- Teeth Whitening: An in-office teeth whitening treatment can brighten your smile by several shades in a single appointment that can often be completed in about an hour. Take-home whitening kits can deliver similarly dazzling results after about two weeks of regular use.
- Dental Bonding: Dental bonding can often be done in just one appointment, which can make it a great fit for patients who only need to make one or two minor corrections to their smiles.
- Veneers: Placing veneers to hide a variety of cosmetic flaws usually takes at least two appointments. The first visit involves making the necessary preparations to the teeth and capturing impressions. The second appointment takes place weeks later once the permanent veneers have been created.
- Invisalign: Straightening your crooked teeth with Invisalign takes about 12 to 18 months on average, but the exact length of time depends on the specifics of your situation.
- Smile Makeovers: A smile makeover is a combination of multiple cosmetic dental services. Naturally, the overall length of the process depends on the types of services involved and the specific changes you want to make.
So how long will cosmetic dentistry take in your case? If you schedule a consultation with your dentist, they can help you find a reliable answer to that question while helping you put together a plan for improving the appearance of your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Anh Vo earned his dental degree at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry. He is fully dedicated to pursuing continuing education, regularly completing advanced training in cosmetic dentistry and other fields. He is proud to offer a wide range of smile-improving services at Radiant Smiles in Grand Prairie. If you would like to learn more about cosmetic dentistry, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Vo by visiting his website or calling (469) 890-1199.