If you’re planning on upgrading your grin with cosmetic dentistry, it’s understandable that you’d be eager to fast forward to the end of treatment and see your incredible results. But not so fast! Each procedure varies in length, depending on your individual smile and the treatment itself. Here’s a closer look at five popular cosmetic dentistry options, and how long you can expect to spend in the dental chair to complete them!
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers have earned the nickname “instant orthodontics” because they can transform multiple aspects of your smile at once. Whether you want to correct the spacing, size, shape, or color of your teeth, they can do it all. For this treatment, you’ll need at least two visits to your dentist – one to reshape the teeth and make impressions, and another to have your veneers placed once they arrive from the dental lab. Although exact times may vary, plan on it taking about two weeks from start to finish, with each visit lasting several hours.
Metal-Free Restorations
Metal-free restorations are ideal for replacing older metal fillings and crowns that stand out in your smile. Most porcelain crown treatments can be done in two visits: one to take impressions, and one to attach the restoration once it arrives from the dental lab. Total time is about two weeks, and each visit should take less than two hours.
For tooth-colored fillings, the entire treatment can usually be done on just one visit, and for just one filling could be complete in under two hours!
Direct Bonding
Direct bonding uses the same durable, natural-looking composite resin your dentist utilizes to create tooth-colored fillings to rebuild damaged enamel, cover deep stains, or elongate too small or misshapen teeth. This treatment is one of the quickest ways to improve your smile and can usually be done in just one visit that takes about an hour!
In-Office Whitening
In-office whitening is the fastest way to remove up to eight shades of stains and discoloration from the teeth. In fact, the total treatment takes about one hour from start to finish, and the results can last for years with proper care and maintenance.
At-Home Whitening
Don’t want to spend an hour in the dental chair? At-home whitening comes with custom trays and your own supply of whitening gel to use at home, so you can lighten your teeth at your own pace – even in your pjs! With this method, plan on using the bleach for about two weeks to lift eight shades of discoloration and stains from your smile.
Remember, while each cosmetic dentistry treatment can transform your smile from okay to amazing in record time, the exact duration will depend on the treatment itself and your individual teeth. To learn more about any of these procedures and see which one is right for you, schedule a consultation with your dentist for cosmetic dentistry today!
About Dr. Amos
Dr. Austin Amos earned his undergraduate degree at Austin College and his dental degree from the University of Texas School of Dentistry (he even has a law degree from the University of Texas!). Passionate about education, he also takes courses through places like the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentists, and the Seattle Study Club. To schedule a consultation for cosmetic dentistry at Ridgepointe Dental, visit our website or call us today at 972-625-4746.