If you plan to get cosmetic dental work, you’ll need to make time for it. Treatments that transform your smile’s looks aren’t instant. With that said, you may wonder: Just how long does cosmetic dentistry take? The answer to this question is crucial; you can’t schedule care without it. Well, never fear – your Windermere dentist will gladly settle your concern. Here’s a primer on what affects the treatment time for cosmetic dental procedures.
What Factors Affect Cosmetic Treatment Time?
Several factors can affect the timeline for a cosmetic dental treatment. These include the following:
- Treatment Type – The type of cosmetic procedure will impact how long it takes. While a simple treatment may only require one or two sessions, a complex one may span months or years.
- Issue Severity – Your cosmetic issue’s severity also affects the treatment timeline. If it’s mild, a dentist could conclude your care in just thirty minutes. Meanwhile, treatment will take longer if your issue is a very harsh one.
- Prep Work – For some cosmetic procedures, a dentist must perform preparatory steps first. These initial phases can contribute to the overall treatment time.
- Healing Period – Sometimes, a cosmetic service involves a healing period before its next stage begins. This recovery process (if present) will add to your treatment time.
Cosmetic Dental Services & Their Treatment Times
If you need concrete examples of treatment timelines, you’re in luck. Dentists can give rough estimates of how long cosmetic dental procedures take. As proof, consider the services below:
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office teeth whitening is a simpler dental option, so it doesn’t take long. Most dentists can complete the treatment’s bleaching process in just an hour or so. Afterward, the patient should expect a smile that’s brighter by six to eight shades! (If your dentist provides an initial consultation, the whitening may take a tad longer.)
Veneers
Because veneer placement is tricky, it often takes longer than other cosmetic services. You may need two or three visits over 2-4 weeks before the shells are on your teeth. For these appointments, you’d undergo a consultation, some initial cleaning, and the actual bonding process. That last bit would take no longer than two hours.
Invisalign
While Invisalign works faster than metal braces, it still takes a while to wrap up. Most patients must use its clear trays for 12-18 months to sport straight smiles. Furthermore, many dentists require that you attend “check-in visits” every 4-6 weeks to ensure treatment progress.
In the end, how long cosmetic dentistry takes can vary. Talk to your dental provider to confirm the timeline for your own treatment.
About the Practice
Windermere Dentistry is based in Windermere, FL. Led by Drs. McKissock and Thakkar, our practice strives to deliver state-of-the-art care to all its patients. That means we tailor our preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments to each smile’s specific needs. Thanks to this approach, you’ll surely sport thriving teeth and gums after your time with us. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (407)-909-1099.
