How Long Does a Smile Makeover Take?

A smile makeover can enhance teeth, improve oral health and ensure that patients can smile confidently. However, many want to know how long the process will take. There are a lot of different options for smile makeover procedures, which makes it difficult to know exactly what the timeline looks like. Keep reading to find out more!

How long to expect a smile makeover to take

Keep reading to find out how long a smile makeover may take. While there is no sinigle answer, the following information can help patients who are considering their options. 

It depends!

Because there are so many different smile makeover procedure options, it can be hard to know exactly how long it will take. Each patient has different goals, which will determine how long their treatment may last. 

Tooth replacement or teeth straightening

Smile makeovers often involve tooth replacement or teeth straightening. Both processes usually take the longest out of any smile makeover procedure. Tooth replacement often involves dental implants, which can take a few months because the implants have to undergo osseointegration. On the other hand, dentures are a possibility too, which can still take a few weeks because they have to be custom made in a dental lab. 

In the case of teeth straightening, patients should expect up to a year long worth of treatment. Most of the time, smile makeovers are done to close gaps or straighten out crooked teeth, however, neither of these can be solved overnight. It typically requires at least 6 months of treatment to produce the desired results.  

Restorations

Dental restorations are very common for smile makeovers. They help the teeth to appear more natural, while also ensuring that they function normally and healthily. The most common types of restorations are dental fillings or crowns. Both are typically used to restore teeth that are infected. Oftentimes, infections can cause spots or discolorations on the teeth, which is why they can fall under the smile makeover category. 

When restorations are needed for a smile makeover to be complete, the patient should expect to commit at least one to two appointments. While the appointments will not last more than an hour long, it is a possibility that a couple is required. When dental crowns are the case, the first appointment usually involves the removal of any infected areas. The second appointment involves the placement of the actual dental crown, which has to be made at a dental lab. In the case of dental fillings, the patient usually only needs one appointment, but a second may be recommended so that the dentist can follow up. 

Cosmetic procedures

Smile makeover procedures that involve minor cosmetic changes tend to be finished much quicker. The most common cosmetic procedures for smile makeovers include teeth whitening or dental bonding, which can both be done in one single appointment that typically takes less than an hour. In some cases, the patient may have to undergo multiple teeth whitening sessions, which could be spread out over the course of a year. 

Reach out today!

A smile makeover is a great way to improve the way your teeth and gums look. Each procedure is different, which ultimately means that the timeline will vary. Any questions or concerns regarding smile makeovers and how long they take should be addressed by a dentist. Reach out today to learn more or to get started with transforming your smile.

Request an appointment here: https://dexterdds.com or call Scott Dexter, DDS at (916) 233-0910 for an appointment in our El Dorado Hills office.

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