Cosmetic dentistry offers a range of treatments to improve the appearance of your teeth, gums, and overall smile. Whether you’re looking to whiten your teeth, fix chips or gaps, or completely transform your smile, you may be wondering, how long will it take? Here’s a breakdown of how long some of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures typically take.
Teeth Whitening
One of the quickest ways to enhance your smile is through professional teeth whitening. In-office treatments can deliver results in about 60 to 90 minutes, making it an ideal option for those looking for immediate improvement. Alternatively, take-home kits from your dentist usually require 7 to 14 days of daily application to achieve optimal results.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a versatile treatment used to repair chips, cracks, discoloration, or small gaps between teeth. It involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the tooth’s surface, which is then shaped and hardened with a special light. Bonding typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth and can often be completed in one visit.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth to improve color, shape, size, or alignment. The process usually requires two visits over the course of two to three weeks. The first visit involves consultation, tooth preparation, and impressions. The second visit is for fitting and bonding the veneers once they’ve been custom-made by a dental lab.
Dental Crowns
Crowns are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged, discolored, or misshapen. Traditionally, this involves two visits over 1 to 2 weeks – one for tooth preparation and impressions, the second for placement. However, many modern dental offices now offer same-day crowns using CAD/CAM technology. These practices are able to take impressions and manufacture the crown right in their office, so there’s no waiting for the crown to be sent off and have it placed during a second visit.
Dental Implants
For missing teeth, dental implants are the most durable and natural-looking solution. However, they do take time. From initial consultation to final crown placement, the process can take 3 to 6 months or more. This includes time for the implant to integrate with the jawbone after the surgical placement of the post.
Cosmetic dental procedures range from quick, one-hour visits to months-long treatments depending on the desired outcome. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or investing in long-term smile enhancement, understanding the timeline can help you plan accordingly.
About the Practice
If you’re interested in improving your smile, Berquist Family Dentistry offers a range of cosmetic dentistry services like veneers, cosmetic bonding, teeth whitening, and more! We create a customized cosmetic treatment plan for every patient who wants to change their life with a new smile. To schedule your appointment, visit our website or contact one of our conveniently located offices in your area.
