I Want a Prettier Smile; How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Take?

Almost everyone has at least one frustrating defect in their smile that they would love to get rid of, and cosmetic dentistry has allowed countless patients to achieve gorgeous grins that they can be proud to show off. However, it’s perfectly reasonable to be hesitant about committing to a treatment if you don’t know how long it will take. Here’s a brief overview of the timeframes attached to a few popular cosmetic dental services.

Fix Defects the Hassle-Free Way with Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a quick and easy cosmetic dental treatment that can conceal minor chips, gaps, cracks, and stains, and it can be completed in minutes without anesthesia or any recovery time. To perform this painless procedure, your dentist will apply a small amount of tooth-colored composite resin to the targeted defect and shape this putty-like substance until it is flush with the curves of the tooth. Then, they will harden it with a specialized UV light to create a beautiful restoration that can last for several years with excellent care.

Porcelain Veneers and Metal-Free Dental Crowns Take Several Weeks

Severe cases of chips, cracks, stains, gaps, and misshapen teeth may be addressed best with porcelain veneers or metal-free restorations. These restorative devices are designed to be permanently cemented over troubled teeth to reshape them, conceal defects, and restore their function, and they can typically be placed in as few as two weeks. The process usually goes like this:

• After applying an appropriate anesthetic, your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the teeth being treated.
• Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and cement temporary restorations upon them so you can get used to wearing them.
• A skilled dental technician will craft your permanent restorations at a trusted lab.
• You’ll come back to the office about two weeks after your first visit so your dentist can remove your temporary restorations, cement your permanent ones in place, and make any final adjustments.

Veneers are usually used to treat teeth towards the front of the mouth, and crowns are typically used to restore the ones in the back. These devices can completely transform a smile, and they can be used to treat severe defects that dental bonding cannot.

Invisalign Is a Quicker Way to Realign Your Teeth

Many people who are hesitant to commit to traditional braces may be excited about Invisalign since it can address mild to moderate misalignments with removable and virtually invisible clear aligners. This treatment involves no dietary restrictions and allows patients to continue practicing oral hygiene normally, and it can often be completed in a much shorter time than conventional orthodontic treatments. Invisalign treatment typically takes six to eighteen months to complete.

Cosmetic dentistry includes a wide range of treatments that can beautify your smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to enhance your grin while working within your schedule.

About the Practice

DeMartino Dental Group offers outstanding oral healthcare to the people of Phillipsburg and its surrounding areas. Led by Drs. Jeffrey R. DeMartino and Nélida Garcia-DeMartino, the staff treats each patient with compassion, courtesy, and exemplary customer service. The office provides preventive, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as the treatments described here. To schedule your cosmetic dental consultation, contact the practice online or dial (908) 859-5260.