Smile Makeovers: What’s Included and How Long They Take

A smile makeover combines several dental treatments to improve how your teeth look and function. These procedures fix issues like crooked teeth, stains, gaps, and damaged enamel.

Many people want to know what to expect before starting the process.

A typical smile makeover can take a few weeks or up to 18 months, depending on the treatments you choose. Simple procedures like teeth whitening might only take one visit.

More complex work, such as orthodontics or multiple treatments, takes longer.

We’ll explain which treatments are part of a smile makeover and how long each one takes. You’ll see how dentists create a personalized plan and what timeline to expect for your specific needs.

Key Takeaways

• Smile makeovers use different dental treatments to fix your unique concerns.
• Treatment time ranges from one appointment to over a year, depending on your needs.
• Your dentist creates a custom plan that improves both appearance and oral health.
  
  
  

What’s Included in a Smile Makeover

A smile makeover uses cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments to improve your teeth’s appearance. The specific procedures depend on your needs, such as fixing stains, chips, gaps, or replacing damaged teeth.

Teeth Whitening Procedures

Teeth whitening is a common treatment in a smile makeover. This procedure removes stains from coffee, tea, wine, and aging.

Professional whitening uses stronger bleaching agents than store-bought products. We offer two main types of teeth whitening.

In-office whitening takes about one to two hours and can lighten teeth by several shades in a single visit. Take-home whitening kits use custom trays that you wear for a few hours each day over one to two weeks.

Professional teeth whitening results usually last six months to two years. Your diet and oral hygiene habits affect how long the results last.

Whitening works best on natural teeth and does not change the color of veneers or crowns.

Veneers and Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are thin shells that cover the front surface of your teeth. Porcelain veneers are popular because they look natural and resist stains.

They fix chips, gaps, discoloration, and slightly crooked teeth. Getting veneers usually takes two to three visits.

We remove a small amount of enamel to make room for the veneers. Then we take impressions and place temporary veneers while the lab creates your custom ones.

Porcelain veneers last 10 to 15 years with proper care. They’re strong and match the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth.

Once we place veneers, the change is permanent because we remove some enamel to fit them.

Dental Crowns and Restorative Treatments

Crowns are caps that cover entire teeth to restore their shape, size, and strength. We use crowns when teeth are severely damaged, decayed, or weakened.

Crowns also improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth. Different materials work for different needs.

• Porcelain crowns look natural for front teeth.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns offer strength and a good appearance.
• Metal crowns last longest but are more visible.
• Ceramic crowns match tooth color well.
  
  

Getting a crown usually takes two visits. We prepare the tooth, take impressions, and place a temporary crown at the first visit.

At the second visit, we fit and cement the permanent crown, usually after two to three weeks. Crowns typically last 10 to 15 years.

Bonding and Tooth-Colored Resin

Dental bonding uses tooth-colored resin to repair small chips, cracks, and gaps. This composite material bonds directly to your tooth.

Bonding is one of the least expensive cosmetic options and usually does not require anesthesia. The process takes 30 to 60 minutes per tooth in a single visit.

We roughen the tooth surface, apply the resin, shape it, and harden it with a special light. The resin matches your natural teeth so repairs blend in.

Bonding lasts about three to ten years before needing touch-ups or replacement. It’s less durable than veneers or crowns but works well for small corrections.

The resin can stain over time from coffee, tea, or smoking, so regular cleaning helps maintain its appearance.

Personalized Smile Makeover Process

Every smile makeover starts with a detailed assessment of your dental needs and goals. We create a custom treatment plan that addresses health concerns and cosmetic improvements in a specific order.

Consultation and Oral Health Evaluation

At the first appointment, we listen to your concerns and examine your teeth, gums, and bite alignment. We take X-rays and photographs of your teeth from different angles.

We also make impressions of your mouth to create accurate models. These tools help us spot problems that a regular exam might miss.

We check for cavities, gum disease, tooth wear, and jaw alignment issues. This evaluation shows us which treatments you need for health and which are cosmetic.

We discuss your budget and timeline during this visit. Some dentists use digital smile design software to show what your results might look like.

This preview helps you choose which changes matter most.

Developing a Personalized Treatment Plan

We create a treatment plan based on your evaluation and goals. The plan lists each procedure in the order we will complete them.

Your plan might include teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, bonding, or orthodontics. We explain how long each treatment takes and what results to expect.

The timeline can range from a few weeks to over a year, depending on your needs. We break down the costs for each procedure so you know the total investment.

Many dental offices offer payment plans to make treatment more affordable. We adjust the plan if certain procedures do not fit your budget right now.

Addressing Dental Health Before Cosmetic Work

We treat dental health problems before starting cosmetic procedures. Cavities, gum disease, and infections can affect how well cosmetic treatments work.

If you have gum disease, we treat it first with deep cleanings or other therapies. Healthy gums provide a stable foundation for veneers, crowns, and other restorations.

We fill cavities and perform root canals if needed before placing cosmetic restorations. We do any tooth extractions early in the process so your mouth can heal.

This approach helps your smile makeover results last as long as possible.

Orthodontics and Alignment Options

Straightening teeth and fixing alignment issues often requires orthodontic treatment. Options range from traditional metal braces to modern clear aligners.

Gum reshaping can also create a balanced, symmetrical smile.

Braces and Orthodontics

Traditional braces remain an effective way to correct misaligned teeth, gaps, and bite problems. Metal braces use brackets attached to each tooth and wires that we tighten over time.

This shifts teeth into the right position. Treatment takes 18 to 36 months, depending on the severity of alignment issues.

We adjust the braces every 4 to 8 weeks during office visits.

Common issues braces fix:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Large gaps between teeth
• Overbites and underbites
• Crooked teeth
  
  

Ceramic braces offer a less visible alternative to metal ones. They use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in better with natural teeth.

Clear Aligners and Invisalign

Clear aligners like Invisalign offer a removable way to straighten teeth without metal brackets or wires. We create custom plastic trays that fit over your teeth and gradually move them into alignment.

You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before switching to the next set. Most people wear them 20 to 22 hours per day and only remove them for eating and cleaning.

Treatment with clear aligners usually takes 12 to 18 months for moderate cases. They work best for mild to moderate alignment problems.

Gum Contouring and Smile Symmetry

Gum contouring reshapes the gum line to create better balance in your smile. We remove excess gum tissue that makes teeth look too short or creates an uneven appearance.

We use a laser or surgical tools to trim and reshape the gums. Most gum contouring takes just one appointment and heals within a few days to two weeks.

This treatment works well for people with a “gummy smile” or uneven gum lines.

Smile Makeover Timeline and Results

A smile makeover timeline can range from a few weeks to over a year, depending on the treatments involved. Proper care helps results last for many years.

How Long Smile Makeovers Take

Simple smile makeovers with teeth whitening and bonding take 1 to 3 weeks. These procedures need minimal preparation and few appointments.

More involved treatments take longer. Porcelain veneers usually require 2 to 4 weeks from consultation to final placement.

We need two appointments for preparation and bonding. Dental implants take the longest.

A single implant needs 3 to 6 months because the titanium post must fuse with the jawbone. Multiple implants or full-arch restorations can extend this to 6 to 12 months.

Orthodontic treatments add significant time. Traditional braces take 18 to 24 months on average.

Clear aligners often work faster at 12 to 18 months for moderate cases.

Factors Impacting Treatment Duration

Your oral health affects how long treatment takes. We must treat gum disease, tooth decay, or infections before starting cosmetic procedures.

These treatments can add weeks or months to the timeline. The complexity of your case also changes the schedule.

Patients needing one or two veneers finish faster than those needing full-mouth reconstruction. Severe misalignment takes longer to correct than minor spacing issues.

Healing time between procedures is important. Dental implants need 3 to 4 months for the bone to fuse.

Gum tissue must heal after extractions before we can place restorations. Your availability for appointments also impacts the timeline.

Missing or rescheduling visits can delay completion. We recommend keeping all appointments to stay on track.

Expected Smile Makeover Results

Teeth whitening can make your teeth 6 to 8 shades brighter than before. You see the effect right after treatment, and full brightness appears within two weeks.

Veneers and crowns change the shape, size, and color of teeth. These restorations look natural and blend with surrounding teeth.

Patients see their final results once we bond the permanent restorations. Dental implants restore chewing function and prevent bone loss in the jaw.

They look and feel like natural teeth. The success rate for dental implants is over 95% with proper care.

Orthodontic treatment straightens teeth and corrects bite issues. Straight teeth improve appearance and make cleaning easier.

Maintaining Long-Lasting Outcomes

Daily brushing and flossing protect your smile makeover investment.

Brush twice daily for two minutes and floss once daily. These habits prevent decay around restorations.

Visit your dentist every six months for checkups. Professional cleanings remove buildup that you might miss at home.

During these visits, your dentist checks restorations for wear or damage.

Porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years with good care. Dental implants may last a lifetime if you maintain them well.

Crowns usually need replacement after 15 to 20 years.

Avoid habits that damage dental work. Do not chew ice, bite fingernails, or use your teeth as tools.

Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth while sleeping. These steps help your restorations last longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Smile makeovers involve several cosmetic procedures. The process can take a few weeks to several months.

The cost depends on which treatments you need. Good preparation helps you get the best results.

What are the typical procedures involved in a smile makeover?

Teeth whitening is a common part of smile makeovers. It brightens discolored teeth by several shades in one or two appointments.

Porcelain veneers cover the front of teeth to fix chips, gaps, and misshapen teeth. We bond thin ceramic shells to your natural teeth for a new look.

Dental crowns restore damaged or severely decayed teeth. Dental bonding repairs minor chips and closes small gaps.

Orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners straighten crooked teeth. Gum contouring reshapes uneven gum lines for better proportions.

We may recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth as part of your makeover plan.

How long does a complete smile makeover usually take?

The timeline depends on your chosen procedures. Simple treatments like teeth whitening take one to two weeks.

Veneers usually need two to three appointments over three to four weeks. Dental crowns follow a similar schedule.

Orthodontic treatment takes the longest. Traditional braces often require 18 to 24 months. Clear aligners generally work faster at 12 to 18 months.

Dental implants take three to six months, including time for the implant to fuse with your jawbone.

A complete smile makeover with multiple procedures may take six months to two years.

Can you break down the overall cost factors for a smile makeover?

The type and number of procedures affect your total cost the most.

Teeth whitening costs between $300 and $1,000 per treatment.

Porcelain veneers range from $925 to $2,500 per tooth. Dental crowns cost $800 to $3,000 each.

Orthodontic treatment costs vary. Traditional braces range from $3,000 to $7,000. Clear aligners cost $3,000 to $8,000.

Dental implants are the most expensive at $1,500 to $6,000 per tooth.

Where you live can affect prices, as dental costs vary by region. The dentist’s experience level also influences rates.

We do not include extra treatments for gum disease or tooth decay in cosmetic pricing. Dental insurance may cover some restorative work but rarely pays for cosmetic treatments.

What are the differences between a smile makeover and a full mouth reconstruction?

A smile makeover improves your smile’s appearance. We address cosmetic concerns like stains, chips, gaps, and alignment.

Full mouth reconstruction restores oral health and function. This treatment fixes serious dental problems such as severe decay, missing teeth, jaw disorders, and bite issues.

Smile makeovers are elective and focus on aesthetics. Full mouth reconstruction is medically necessary to help you chew, speak, and maintain oral health.

Some procedures overlap, including crowns, implants, or veneers. Reconstruction often involves more extensive work and may include jaw surgery or gum disease treatment.

Are there any potential risks or complications with smile makeover treatments?

Tooth sensitivity is a common side effect after whitening treatments. It usually goes away in a few days to a week.

Veneers require removing a small amount of tooth enamel. This process is permanent.

Crowns and veneers can chip or crack if you bite hard objects. They may come loose over time and need replacement.

Orthodontic treatment may cause temporary discomfort and gum irritation. Some patients experience slight root shortening.

Dental implants carry risks such as infection, nerve damage, or implant failure. We reduce these risks through careful planning and by following post-procedure care instructions. Most complications are rare when we perform procedures correctly.

How should one prepare for a smile makeover procedure?

We start with a comprehensive dental exam and cleaning. You need healthy teeth and gums before starting cosmetic work.

Tell us about any medications you take. Let us know about any health conditions you have.

Some medical issues can affect which procedures we can safely do. We treat cavities, gum disease, or infections before your makeover.

We resolve these problems first to prevent complications. Stop smoking at least two weeks before your procedures.

Smoking slows healing and increases your risk of complications. Arrange transportation if you’ll receive sedation during your treatment.

You’ll need someone to drive you home afterward. Follow our instructions about eating and drinking before your appointments.

Take photos of smiles you like to share during your consultation. This helps us understand your goals and create a treatment plan that matches your expectations.

📞 Contact Kaufman Dentistry Today

Give us a call at (310) 838-7780 to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards a stunning smile.

You can find us at 10760 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice and helping you achieve the smile of your dreams!