When you’re ready to improve your smile with the help of cosmetic dentistry, one of the first questions that probably comes to mind is: “How long will this process take?” Cosmetic dentistry offers a wide range of treatment options, ranging from teeth whitening and porcelain veneers to full-blown smile makeovers—but ultimately, the timetable for these kinds of treatments tends to vary based on the type of procedure(s) used, a patient’s oral wellness, and their short- and long-term goals for their teeth. Here’s a brief breakdown of what you can expect for each treatment and how long you’ll need to wait to achieve your dream smile.
Teeth Whitening
If you’re looking for fast and dramatic improvement that focuses solely on the shade/color of your pearly whites, teeth whitening is one of the quickest cosmetic treatments available. In-office whitening can often be completed in just one appointment, while take-home whitening kits typically take 1 – 2 weeks of daily use to reach your desired shade. If you have a milestone event like a wedding or graduation ceremony coming up, it’s important to leave yourself enough time beforehand to achieve your whiter smile—though you normally won’t have to wait very long!
Cosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic bonding is ideal for fixing small chips, gaps, or uneven edges. Because bonding relies on tooth-colored resin (the same material used for tooth-colored fillings), it can be easily sculpted into place and made to mask all sorts of flaws seamlessly. Like teeth whitening, it’s another very quick treatment that can be completed in a single visit, usually not taking longer than an hour. Better yet, if the need arises in the future for touch-ups, those appointments are just as fast.
Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front of your teeth to create a flawless, symmetrical look. This process of receiving them is often spread out over multiple appointments. During your initial visit, after you and your dentist have decided that veneers can help your smile, impressions will be made, and temporary veneers will be placed once your teeth have been prepared. From there, you’ll have to wear the temporaries for about a week or two until you return for a follow-up appointment to have your permanent veneers bonded. Though their timeline is longer than some other options, veneers are generally considered to be the most comprehensive and lasting among cosmetic treatments.
It’s also important to keep in mind that no matter what type of treatment you’re interested in, cosmetic dentistry candidates need to be in decent oral health, and if any preliminary treatments are needed to assist your smile, this can add to your expected timeline.
All of that said, cosmetic dentistry combines both art and science to deliver fantastic results—and while some improvements can happen in a single appointment, others will require careful planning to provide you with a life-changing and confidence-inspiring smile!
About the Practice
Our team here at Mockler Dental serves the needs of patients in Campbell and the surrounding communities, with Dr. Tricia Mockler leading the way. We offer a wide selection of services, including numerous cosmetic solutions like veneers, teeth whitening, and metal-free restorations; whatever your smile needs to shine its brightest! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment, please feel free to contact us online or give us a call for more information. Telephone: (408) 871-0877.