Cosmetic dentistry can help boost your confidence by addressing chips, discolored spots, and other imperfections on your smile. But just how long will it take to get the results you want? Naturally, the answer to this question won’t be exactly the same for every patient; nevertheless, it’s essential to have a realistic idea of what to expect before you commit to any smile-enhancing treatments. Here’s what you need to know regarding the timeline for cosmetic dentistry.
What Factors Can Influence the Timeline of Cosmetic Dentistry?
There are several variables that can affect how long cosmetic dentistry takes in your case, such as:
- The Type of Procedure: There’s more than one type of cosmetic dental treatment, each with its own timeline to consider.
- Whether Preparatory Work Is Needed: You may need to have cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues treated before you can have any type of cosmetic dentistry performed.
- The Severity of Your Case: The longevity of your cosmetic dental treatment may depend on the severity of the imperfections you want to correct. For example, particularly stubborn stains on your teeth may require multiple teeth whitening sessions.
How Long Do Specific Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments Take?
If there’s a certain type of cosmetic dental treatment that you’re interested in, you’ll naturally want to have an idea of how long it normally takes. Here’s a look at the average timeline for a couple of particularly popular forms of cosmetic dentistry:
- Veneers: Getting veneers requires at least two appointments. During the first visit, the teeth are prepared, impressions are taken, and temporary veneers are placed. Once your permanent veneers are ready, they will be attached to your teeth during your second visit. All in all, the process can normally be completed in a matter of weeks.
- Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening can be performed in-office, but you also have the option of getting a professional take-home whitening kit. In-office teeth whitening can often be completed in just one visit, while take-home whitening will typically yield noticeable results after about two weeks. Both options are highly effective for brightening yellowed, stained, or otherwise discolored teeth.
In order to get a truly reliable estimate of how long cosmetic dentistry will take in your case, you will need to schedule a consultation with your esthetic dentist. They’ll tell you everything you need to know about your treatment options and the timelines associated with them.
About the Author
Dr. Bryan Villescas is a graduate of the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, and he currently serves his community as an esthetic dentist. For those who want to improve the appearance of their smiles, he is happy to offer veneers and teeth whitening. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Villescas at Caring Way Esthetics of Port Charlotte, visit his website or call (941) 627-9900.