Do you have certain expectations about cosmetic dentistry? Apart from seeing transformational results, you may wonder how long it will take to get the kind of smile you truly desire. The timeline for treatment varies based on factors your dentist will note during an initial consultation. Until then, learn what can affect your ability to see improved aesthetics sooner and why having a carefully crafted plan matters.
Cosmetic Dental Treatments: What Are the Average Timelines?
As you research the different cosmetic services that are available at your dentist’s office, you may wonder what the average timeframe is for each method of treatment. Below is a brief breakdown:
- Veneers: This process generally takes two appointments and several weeks to complete.
- Teeth Whitening: An in-office session takes only one hour to complete, while a take-home kit can produce results in about two weeks.
- Metal-Free Dental Crowns: It will require at least two appointments for final placement, and a few weeks for crown creation.
- Cosmetic Dental Bonding: Applying composite resin to the surface of your tooth enamel takes only one appointment to see results.
- Gum Recontouring: The removal of excess gum tissues typically only takes a single appointment, and results can last forever.
- Smile Makeover: These treatment plans vary in their length of time because each is tailor-made to a patient’s needs. It can take one appointment for several weeks or months.
What Factors Can Affect Cosmetic Treatment Timelines?
Since no treatment plan is the same, you can expect your dentist to keep the following factors in mind before providing a reliable timeframe for completion.
- The Type of Procedure Chosen: Based on your chosen treatment, you may be finished on the same day or within a few weeks.
- Case Complexity: If you need to have multiple aesthetic imperfections fixed, you should expect the timeline for treatment to take longer than if you only need to cover a small chip with composite resin.
- Restorative Care: If your cosmetic dentist finds decay, cavities, or gum disease during their initial evaluation, preparatory treatment will be required before cosmetic services can be administered. This addition will lengthen your treatment time.
- Recovery: Not all cosmetic procedures require post-procedural downtime; however, those that do will be factored into the total timeframe for treatment. One example of this is gum recontouring.
What You Should Consider Before Choosing Cosmetic Treatment
Your dentist will be the best person to provide honest evaluations and timelines when inquiring about cosmetic treatment. However, it is helpful (and necessary) to inform them of your reason for pursuing these services, especially if you have a big event coming up.
Knowing more about your needs can help dictate which solution(s) will lend the kind of results you want, all within a timeframe that is acceptable.
About the Practice
Westgate Dental Care’s cosmetic dentists in Arlington want to help you achieve the kind of smile that turns a dream into a reality. We offer many unique aesthetic-based services that can take dull, stained, and damaged teeth and turn them into fully restored, beautiful pearly whites. Before we decide on a treatment plan, though, we will discuss your smile and treatment goals so that we can all be on the same page moving forward. If you’re ready to make positive changes to the look of your smile, visit our website or call us at (847) 908-3684 to discuss your options.