If you’re planning a cosmetic dentistry treatment, you’re probably eager to get started so you can show off your newly improved smile. But not so fast! As with most good things, cosmetic dentistry procedures can often take a little bit of time to complete. Whether you need to look your best in time for a special date like a wedding, portrait session, or job interview, or you’re just eager to get the ball rolling on your gorgeous grin, here are some popular treatments and how long you can expect them to take!4
Porcelain Veneers
Including your consultation with your dentist, you can expect porcelain veneers to take about two or three appointments. During your first visit, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth and then remove a very tiny amount of enamel from each tooth to be treated. You will then be fitted with temporary veneers to use until the real ones are available.
Once they are delivered to your dentist’s office, you will return to have your veneers applied. Typically, this takes about two hours, but it may be several weeks between when your impressions are made, and when the final product is ready.
Metal Free Restorations
Depending on how many you need, free metal restorations can be done in one appointment. This treatment entails your dentist removing your old metal fillings and replacing them with a tooth-colored filling. The process of creating a metal free filling takes only minutes, however it could take longer if you need a crown or inlay, or if you are replacing multiple restorations.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Much like metal-free restorations, cosmetic dental bonding can be done in one appointment depending on the number of repairs you need. Because your dentist uses the same materials as he does with metal-free restorations, treating one tooth could take less than 30 minutes, and best of all since it’s completely painless, you won’t need to wait for numbing to take effect before your procedure begins.
Teeth Whitening
The duration of your professional teeth whitening treatment depends on which method you choose. If you are using a take home kit from your dentist, you can expect your results to take about two weeks to achieve. During that time, you’ll need to wear your whitening trays and use the gel as prescribed by your dentist, however the exact time and frequency will vary from patient to patient.
For professional in-office whitening, your treatment should only take a little more than an hour.
Gum Recontouring
Gum recontouring should be able to be completed in one or two appointments, and because it uses a diode soft tissue laser, your treatment goes by quite quickly. This treatment does require a bit of numbing, but depending on how much tissue you need removed, it can take under 90 minutes from start to finish. For this type of procedure, it is recommended that you schedule it at least a few weeks before your big day to allow your gums time to heal.
Remember, cosmetic dentistry treatments are an excellent way to improve the appearance of your smile and can be done surprisingly quickly. Best of all, with proper care and maintenance, your results can last for many years, making them an excellent investment in your self-esteem, budget, and your time!
About Dr. Gizachew
Dr. Admasu Gizachew believes in using dentistry to change his patients’ lives for the better. He has a keen interest in cosmetic treatments and cosmetic dentistry and has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education each year to maintain and expand his skills. Dr. Gizachew (you can call him “Dr. G”) has even undergone specialized training in soft tissue diode laser treatment. In addition to his dental education, he has taken additional courses from the American Academy of Facial Aesthetics.
To schedule a consultation for cosmetic dentistry at Nu Dental Barnegat, please visit our website or call us today at 608-879-0036.