How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Take?

April 17, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — Nancy Henrichsen @ 3:51 pm
A smiling woman in a dentist’s chair

Preparing for cosmetic dentistry is an exciting time in anyone’s life. After all, you’ll soon have a gorgeous new grin to share with the world. In fact, it’s completely understandable that you may feel a little impatient to get your treatment underway, but don’t worry. If you’re embarking on a smile makeover, here’s how long you can expect some popular treatments to take, and how soon you can showcase your dazzling results (hint: it’s sooner than you think!).

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin porcelain shells that fit over your existing teeth and make them appear whiter and brighter. They can also change the shape and size of your teeth, and even close small gaps between them. Veneers can typically be applied over two, several-hour appointments: first to reshape the teeth and take impressions, and the second to attach the finished veneers.  Typically, it takes about two weeks for the lab to create your veneers, so you could be sharing your gorgeous new grin in less than a month!

Metal-Free Dental Restorations

Metal-free dental restorations create a more streamlined, discreet look in your smile. Depending on how many restorations you’re replacing, your dentist should be able to remove and replace them in one appointment, however if you have many it could take several. Plan on this treatment taking at least one hour for each restoration, as your dentist will need to first remove the old restoration and then replace it.

Cosmetic Dental Bonding

Cosmetic dental bonding is one of the fastest cosmetic treatments available and can be done in less than 30 minutes per tooth. Best of all, because it requires no numbing, you shouldn’t have any downtime following your appointment! You can leave and immediately show off and use your teeth without any delay.

Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening can remove up to eight shades of discoloration in about two weeks, right from the comfort of your home. First, you’ll need to see your dentist to have an exam,and your custom trays made, but you can immediately begin treatment once you leave, and you can come back for refills for touch-ups as needed!

Gum Recontouring

Gum recontouring uses a laser to remove excess gum tissue that could be making your teeth appear smaller or your smile too gummy. Because it uses advanced technology, it can be done much faster than it would with a scalpel like in years past, and as an added bonus, you won’t need sutures, either, so healing is much faster, too.

Though you may need two or more appointments to correct your whole smile, you can expect your entire treatment to take just a few short weeks.

Remember, while it’s understandable to want your cosmetic dentistry treatment to commence as soon as possible, with a little patience, you’ll be sharing a gorgeous, rejuvenated grin in as little as a few short days or weeks!

About Our Practice

At North Garland Family Dental, Dr. Peterson and Dr. Vazquez are proud to offer a variety of treatments in one convenient location. Whether you’re in need of periodontal care, general dentistry, or you’d like to improve your smile with the help of cosmetic dentistry, we’re happy to help. To schedule a consultation for cosmetic dentistry and learn more about the many procedures we offer, please visit our website or call us today at 972-530-7979.