Do you have imperfect teeth that make you feel self-conscious about the state of your smile? If so, you’re not alone! According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Americans spend an estimated $2.75 billion annually on procedures intended to improve their appearance.
Your dentist offers several cosmetic services to upgrade your grin, but it’s natural to have questions about what to expect. For example, you might wonder how long it usually takes to achieve your desired results. If you’re curious when you’ll finally have your dream smile, continue reading to learn the anticipated timeframe of these 3 popular treatments!
Option #1: Teeth Whitening
Years of exposing your enamel to darkly pigmented foods and drinks can leave it looking more yellow or brown than pearly white. Thankfully, one simple but effective way to enhance your confidence is with professional teeth whitening.
If you have a momentous occasion coming up like a wedding, reunion, or job interview and want to look your best, you can achieve almost-instant results with an in-office procedure. Your dental team can potentially lighten your smile by up to eight shades in a single hour-long appointment. Or, if you prefer more gradual results, you can opt for a take-home kit with ultra-concentrated gels and custom-fitted applicator trays for an optimal outcome.
Option #2: Porcelain Veneers
Some patients require more than brightening to improve their appearance. You might benefit from porcelain veneers if you’re frustrated by chips, cracks, stubborn stains, mild gaps, or slight misalignments. These thin, ceramic shells are customized to be just the right shape, shade, and size then cemented over your enamel’s front surfaces to mask problem areas.
However, being fitted with these covers usually requires at least two appointments over several weeks. First, your dentist will prepare your teeth by removing a thin layer of enamel so they fit correctly against your gumline. Then, they’ll make impressions of your teeth and send the information to a lab to build your veneers. This can take a few weeks, so you’ll be fitted with temporary restorations to protect your grin in the meantime.
Option #3: Cosmetic Dental Bonding
If you’re tired of dealing with dental imperfections but don’t want to wait weeks to see results, ask your dentist about dental bonding. This treatment involves placing tooth-colored composite resin directly to your enamel to address discoloration, fractures, gaps, stunted, or somewhat misshapen teeth. Once it’s molded into the ideal shape, it’s hardened in place with a special curing light for a repair that can last 5 to 15+ years with the right care. This procedure addresses many of the same issues as veneers, but can often be completed from start to finish in a single, hour-long appointment.
Other treatments can enhance your appearance, too, and the best way to get accurate information about how long they might take is to consult your dentist directly!
Meet the Author
Dr. Hiren Patel has 15+ years of experience providing a full array of top-quality services to help you and your family build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. He initially graduated from the Government Dental College & Hospital in Ahmedabad, India then earned his advanced dental degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. Today, he has completed 500+ hours of continuing education and is a valued member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. He’s happy to help improve your appearance to boost your confidence with one or more cosmetic services. You can request an appointment on the website or call (210) 590-2736.