You’re trying to plan a dental cosmetic treatment, but there are so many different options to choose from, and you’re a busy person. You just want to know how long it will take to transform your smile!
That’s perfectly understandable; scheduling can be stressful. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about the timeline of a cosmetic dentistry treatment. After you address these points with your dentist, you’ll feel much more at ease.
Average Timelines for Common Dental Cosmetics
Dental cosmetic treatments are very minimal; typically, they take three weeks at most to complete. The average timelines for these common options will help you get an idea of what to expect:
- Porcelain veneers – Two weeks
- Metal-free restorations – One appointment for fillings, two for crowns
- Direct bonding – One appointment
- Teeth whitening – One appointment with an in-office treatment, two-to-three weeks with a take-home kit
Factors that Can Affect Cosmetic Dentistry Timelines
It’s important to keep in mind that certain factors could possibly make your treatment take longer – or shorter – than average. For example:
- The type of treatment (or treatments) you choose – As you can see, timelines can vary for each dental cosmetic.
- The severity of your case – If your dental staining is more serious, for example, it might take multiple in-office treatments to achieve your desired results.
- Preliminary work – if you have an active oral condition like cavities or gum disease, you’ll have to spend time taking care of that issue before proceeding with cosmetic dentistry.
- Your personal availability – it can be difficult to coordinate a dental treatment with a busy schedule, but rest assured, your dentist will do their best to work with you and your calendar!
In Conclusion: It Depends
Ultimately, how long it will take to transform your smile with cosmetic dentistry will simply depend on your unique circumstance and preferences. You can count on your cosmetic dentist, though – they’ll keep you well-informed about your expected treatment timelines. If you’re a particularly busy person, be sure to talk with them about treatment times during your consultation!
About the Author
Dr. Megan McInnis diligently stays up-to-date with the latest trends in dentistry, and is passionate about helping her patients feel more confident with their smiles. If you’d like to transform your smile in Portland, contact her office for a detailed cosmetic dentistry consultation at 503-761-1414.