Time Well Spent: How Long It Takes to Get a Smile Makeover

When you are looking for ways to transform your teeth, you may be a bit overwhelmed by all your choices. You may have a list of certain ones you think would be best, but your dentist can help you out by creating a smile makeover! It’s a great way to create a cohesive treatment plan, but just how long will it take to get results you love? Keep reading to learn what you can expect.

How Long Will My Smile Makeover Take?

A major benefit of a smile makeover is that it takes into account your budget and timeline. Every patient will need different services, so it will determine how long it’ll take. Here’s what you can expect from common treatments involved:

• Veneers: Split across two appointments that are a couple of weeks apart to allow a dental lab to craft each porcelain shell.
• Teeth Whitening: In-office takes about an hour for a six to eight shade difference, while a professional take-home kit is about a week or two of consistent use for similar results.
• Orthodontics: On average, clear aligners can take about 12 to 18 months, and braces follow a slightly longer timeline.
• Dental Bonding: About an hour-long visit for your dentist to sculpt composite resin against your tooth and mold it into place
• Dental Implants: After you get any preliminary work done and your placement surgery, it takes several months for the posts to fuse to your jawbone.

What Can Affect My Smile Makeover Timeline?

Smile makeovers are often a combination of cosmetic and restorative services, so a healthy foundation is needed first. Doing any service over existing oral health issues (such as cavities or infections) can cause complications that can lead to worse discomfort or sensitivity.

However, your dentist may also be able to complete multiple treatments at the same time, shortening your timeline. Not only that, but certain ones, like dental implants and orthodontics, require you to follow specific post-op instructions or rules. Not sticking to them may cause some delays.

How Can I Get a Timeline Estimate?

In the end, the best way to know how long it’ll take to get the pearly whites you dream of is through a consultation. Your dentist will talk to you about your goals and examine your mouth. With this, they’ll create a treatment plan and talk to you more about all the individual work that’s needed. Even if it takes longer than you would’ve hoped, remember that you are well on your way toward a grin you feel confident in.

About the Practice

At Ellicott City Smiles Dental Group, you benefit from a team of skilled dentists who are here to help you. We understand how a less-than-perfect set of teeth can leave you feeling self-conscious, so we are happy to make a smile makeover customized to you. With state-of-the-art technology, we can even design your new grin virtually so you can see how your results will look before committing. If you want to learn how we can help you get pearly whites, schedule an appointment or call us at (410) 465-3224.