I Want a Prettier Smile: How Long Do Cosmetic Dental Treatments Take?

Nearly everyone would like to enhance the beauty of at least one aspect of their teeth, and cosmetic dentistry may be the best way to achieve the smile of your dreams. While many people may be excited to resolve dental defects like chips, cracks, stains, gaps, and misshapenness, it’s perfectly reasonable to ask how long a treatment can take. Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments and the timeframes associated with them.

Porcelain Veneers

If you’ve ever wondered why your favorite celebrity has a seemingly flawless smile, the answer may be porcelain veneers. These customized restorations are crafted from high-quality ceramic materials so they can mimic the ideal appearance of natural enamel, and they can completely transform a smile by concealing defects like chips, cracks, gaps, stains, and stubbiness. These devices can typically be placed in two brief appointments about two weeks apart.

Cosmetic Dental Bonding

Many people have mild but frustrating chips, cracks, and stains in their teeth, and cosmetic dental bonding can be a quick and effective way to address these issues. This treatment is noninvasive and painless without anesthesia, and it involves your dentist applying a small amount of tooth-colored composite resin to the targeted defect. After shaping this putty-like material to match the curves of your tooth, they will harden it with a specialized UV light, creating a restoration that can last for several years. This process can be completed in minutes during a routine appointment.

Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening treatments use customized components and concentrated whitening gel to deliver superior results. You’ll only need to apply the whitening agent to your personalized dental trays and wear them over your teeth for about an hour a day for two weeks. This process can lift stubborn stains and brighten the smile by up to eight shades, and many patients will notice significant results after a single day.

Cosmetic dentistry offers many ways to achieve a prettier smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how to enjoy a grin you can be proud of.

About the Author

Dr. Jeffrey F. Hermen earned his dental degree at the OU College of Dentistry and is an Invisalign Certified Provider. He is proud to be a member of the Oklahoma Dental Association and the Oklahoma County Dental Society. His office in Oklahoma City offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry. To schedule your cosmetic dental consultation, contact his office online or dial (405) 621-2100.