If you are considering undergoing a smile makeover, one of the biggest questions you may have is how long the process will take. The answer all depends on the type of treatment you undergo. For example, if you undergo a treatment that takes multiple visits or requires prerequisite procedures, your makeover will take longer. To figure out more specifically what kind of timeline you should expect, you should speak with your dentist, but provided here are some general processes available and the approximate times they take.
To understand why the timelines vary so greatly with each makeover, you need to know what exactly this term means. A smile makeover is any treatment that improves the appearance — and sometimes the function — of a smile. There are several procedures that are designed to do just that, each of which varies in terms of complexity. For this reason, the timelines for smile makeovers vary, and individuals should consult with a dentist if they want to establish realistic expectations.
A smile makeover can take anywhere from one hour to complete to several months. For instance, dentists can complete in-office whitening treatments in less than an hour. However, if a patient wants to achieve a whole new smile with the help of implants, the process, from start to finish, may take anywhere from three months to a year. Though it is difficult to be specific when talking about a broad range of treatments, patients can get a much better idea of what to expect when they consider each individual procedure. Below are many common smile makeover procedures and the average time it takes to complete each.
Dental bonding is a process designed to restore a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth through the use of tooth-colored resin. The bonding process is a three-step process that entails the application, sculpting, and eventual polishing of resin. Patients may elect to undergo bonding for a number of reasons, ranging from closing the gap between teeth to elongating teeth to hiding chips and cracks. A dentist can complete the bonding process in a single visit. Generally, this process takes 30 to 60 minutes for each tooth, so the more teeth that require bonding, the more time you can expect to spend in the chair.
In-office teeth whitening is much more effective than other forms of whitening, as it utilizes more powerful whitening agents. Many professional treatments take less than two hours total, though some dentists take slightly more or less time to fully whiten your teeth. The majority of patients who undergo in-office whitening can walk out of a single appointment with a dazzling, whiter, brighter smile.
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that dentists place over the fronts of the teeth to improve the aesthetics of patients’ smiles. Veneers are common smile makeover procedures as they offer an affordable way to drastically improve the look and function of the teeth in little time. On average, the veneer process takes two to three visits to complete.
Lumineers are very similar in nature to veneers in that they consist of a thin shell that the dentist places over the tooth. However, unlike veneers, Lumineers do not require a dentist to shave down the natural tooth. The process to place Lumineers, from start to finish, requires two to three visits.
A dentist may recommend a tooth-colored crown if a patient’s tooth is severely decayed. The crown can stop the decay from spreading and improve the appearance of the affected tooth. Placing a porcelain crown usually requires two visits. During the first visit, your dentist will usually prepare the tooth for the crown, make an impression of your damaged tooth, and place a temporary crown. Before your second visit, a custom crown will be fabricated using the impression taken at the initial visit as a mold. Then, at your second visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and fit you with your personalized permanent one.
There are several types of smile makeover procedures, each with varying levels of intensity. Some treatments require multiple trips to the dentist while others can happen in a single appointment. The amount of time each individual visit takes varies as well depending on how many teeth and how much work needs to be done. In general, expect more complicated procedures to take longer and recognize that applying multiple different treatments will likely require more time as well. If the timeframe of a procedure is a deciding factor for you, talk to a local dentist about your various options and what to expect from each.
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