How Long Will it Take to Enjoy My New Smile?

08/22/2024 by admin in Cosmetic Dentistry

Smile Makeover timelines vary from patient to patient. As a custom treatment plan tailored for each person, no two Smile Makeovers are the same — some can be completed in a single office visit while others may take a few weeks (or months) to complete. Although only a consultation with our multispecialty dental team can confirm your treatment timeline, the following offers a brief primer into what you can expect with certain cosmetic procedures:

• Teeth whitening: Professional teeth whitening at our office can be performed in just over one hour, and can brighten your tooth color by multiple shades in just one session. If you opt for our take-home kits, it can take a few weeks to see a noticeable difference in shade. 
• Porcelain veneers and dental crowns: With porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns, the restoration can be placed in about two office visits — impressions of your teeth will be taken during the first appointment, and the permanent veneer is typically bonded during your second visit. It usually takes a couple of weeks to fabricate the custom porcelain veneer.
• Invisalign^®: Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign^® is a great way to move the teeth into an ideal position, which can often be a solution for a more conservative Smile Makeover. Again, Invisalign^® can vary from patient to patient, but treatment can be expected to be completed in  about 12-18 months depending on the extent of malocclusion (poor bite) or misalignments observed.
• Dental implants: If your treatment plan includes dental implants, this typically takes the most time when compared to other cosmetic and restorative services. After implant surgery, the implant is integrated with the jawbone over the next four to six months. For this reason, treatment plans involving implants can take several months to achieve the final outcome. 

Keep in mind that the timelines above are only general estimations, and a number of factors unique to each patient may affect the total length of treatment. Our dentists can provide you with more personalized information once we evaluate your needs in person. 

At Scripps Center for Dental Care, our dentists prioritize giving you realistic expectations for the results of your treatment so you’re well-informed of the different stages of a Smile Makeover. Contact our La Jolla practice for more information about our cosmetic services, or if you’re ready to book an appointment.

• Share