How Long Can a Smile Makeover Take?

A smile makeover is a great way to improve the aesthetic, form and function of the smile for those that have unhealthy teeth and/or gums. The process involves anywhere from one to multiple procedures, depending on the patient's desires and goals. The number of procedures tends to dictate how long the entire process can take. 

How long does a smile makeover take?

Outlined below is an overview of the smile makeover process, which includes how long the process can take.

Smile makeover

The smile makeover process typically involves multiple procedures; however, there are some patients that only require or desire one procedure. These procedures aim to improve the overall aesthetics of the mouth, as well as the form and function. Once a smile makeover is complete, patients should expect to smile confidently, chew naturally and speak normally. 

Outlined below are a few smile makeover procedures that can be considered. 

• Gum reshaping procedures using laser or cosmetic dentistry
• Teeth straightening through clear aligners or traditional braces
• Tooth reshaping through dental bonding, fillings, dental crowns or veneers
• Stain removal procedures, through teeth whitening sessions, dental bonding or dental veneer placement
• Tooth replacement using dental implants, bridges, or partial or full dentures

Depending on the patient's desires and goals, the general dentist may recommend one procedure or multiple over the course of a few months or weeks. 

The process

When considering a smile makeover, most people want to know how long the process will take so that they can set expectations. Upon a consultation with a general dentist, the patient will likely be given a rough estimate of how long the process may take. However, there are a few general guidelines that most patients can consider when looking into a smile makeover. These guidelines are outlined below. 

Patients that want a quick transformation may only require a simple procedure such as dental bonding or teeth whitening. Dental bonding can be used to cover imperfections or abnormalities, and the procedure does not extend past one appointment. Teeth whitening, on the other hand, may be able to be completed in just one appointment or multiple, over the span of a few months. 

In other instances, patients visit their general dentist looking for an extreme smile makeover, which may consist of teeth straightening or tooth replacement. Teeth straightening may take anywhere from six months to one year, depending on the desired outcome. Tooth replacement can be done in a few weeks if dentures are chosen; however, if dental implants are the preferred choice, then the patient should expect a timeline of up to six months. 

Additional contributing factors

In some scenarios, there are other factors that determine how long the smile makeover process may take. Individuals that are in good overall health will likely experience a better process, sometimes, the process might even go quicker. Additionally, those that practice good oral hygiene will ensure that their teeth and gums remain healthy throughout the smile makeover process, which can ensure efficient and timely results. 

Get started with a smile makeover!

A smile makeover is a great way to transform teeth and gums that are in bad shape. Different procedures can be used to improve the aesthetic, form and function of the mouth based on the patient's desire and goals. Working with a general dentist is the best place to start when considering a smile makeover. An evaluation can be done to determine how long the process might take, which can be helpful during the consideration process.  

Request an appointment here: https://www.healthydentalcenter.com or call Healthy Dental Center at (847) 390-5800 for an appointment in our Des Plaines office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Smile Makeover in Des Plaines, IL.