How Long Will a Smile Makeover Take?

People who want to improve their looks may go to a dentist for a smile makeover. This may consist of one cosmetic dental procedure or a combination of treatments. The length of time to complete treatment varies based on what procedures the patient chooses to have.

Smile makeover procedures

Some of the common procedures take only a short amount of time, while others take months to complete.

Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular ways to improve a smile by brightening the teeth. It also is quick, with most procedures lasting no more than one hour.

Braces

For people with crooked teeth, straightening them is often a priority. Depending on the severity of the issue, there are numerous straightening options. Traditional braces may take from 18 months to three years until final results are seen.

Clear aligners are another option, and a popular one because they are practically invisible and may be taken out for eating and cleaning. This method takes about 10 to 12 months for completion. For all straightening systems, numerous office visits are required for tightening and adjustments.

Bonding

Bonding is a cosmetic smile makeover procedure that repairs chips, builds up worn edges and closes gaps in teeth. The process typically takes three steps over the course of one visit. First, the dentist sculpts the teeth. Second, polish is applied and third, a resin is placed to fill in the teeth.

Veneers

Dental veneers help fix minor cosmetic issues or whiten stained enamel. They are made out of a thin piece of porcelain that is attached to the front of the teeth. The procedure typically is done over two to three office visits, which include removing enamel to reshape the teeth, making a mold of the teeth and applying the lab-made veneers. The whole process takes about two weeks.

Dental implants

Implants are one of the most popular smile makeover choices for those who have missing teeth, but it is a longer process. For some patients, the first step is to extract any decayed or broken teeth. For other patients, a bone graft may be necessary to ensure there is solid jaw bone foundation. Once the surgery sites have healed, which may take up to four months for a bone graft, the next step is to insert titanium rods into the jawbone.

After the insertion, time is necessary to allow the jawbone and gums to build up around the rods, which can take around four to six months. After this, a cap is placed over the rods. The patient must wait two weeks before an impression of the jaw is made for crown fabrication. The crowns may be placed around 10 to 14 days after the mold is made. The entire process of implants can take up to one year or even longer.

Conclusion

A smile makeover helps improve one’s smile and appearance by fixing certain dental cosmetic concerns. The procedures vary widely, as does the timeline for completion. A consultation with a dentist can give you a better idea of what methods are recommended and how long the process will take.

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