Factors That Can Influence Your Smile Makeover Timeline

March 3, 2025

Close up of patient editing their calendar with small sticky notes

A smile makeover allows you to bundle multiple dental cosmetic treatments into one plan. It’s a great way to make achieving your dream smile more cost-effective! But since it can involve many different treatments, you might be wondering how long the entire process will take.

Ultimately, your smile makeover timeline will depend on several factors. Don’t worry, though – this post puts it all into simple, easy-to-follow lists, and your dentist will do their best to make your treatment as convenient as possible.

Your Smile Makeover Options

Dental cosmetic treatments can range from taking just one hour to multiple weeks, so the options you choose will likely have the biggest impact on your timeline. Take a look at the average treatment times for these popular dental cosmetics:

  • Teeth whitening. In-office treatments can be completed in one appointment. Take-home kits need about two weeks.
  • Gum recontouring. After just an hour or two, you can expect your gums to appear much more even.
  • Direct bonding. Another minimal treatment that can be completed in one appointment.
  • Veneers. These require some prep work, and customizing your permanent veneers takes time. Overall, the whole process takes about two weeks.
  • Lumineers. Even though they’re similar to veneers, Lumineers generally have a shorter timeline. You’ll need two dental appointments – one for taking impressions of your teeth, and another for actually placing your cosmetics.

Adding your chosen treatments together can give you a pretty good idea of what to expect – however, keep in mind that there are other factors that can influence your schedule.

Other Factors

This post wouldn’t be very thorough if it didn’t include a list of the miscellaneous factors that can impact your smile makeover! Here are some of the most notable ones:

  • Preliminary treatments. If your oral health isn’t ideal, you might need to restore it with fillings, crowns, gum disease therapy, etc. before receiving your cosmetics.
  • Your unique case. Patients with severe dental staining, for example, might need more than one in-office visit to experience the full effects of teeth whitening.
  • Your own personal schedule. Your general availability will definitely affect your treatment timeline!
  • Aftercare. Your dentist will likely send you home with aftercare instructions. How well you follow them will contribute to the effectiveness and longevity of your cosmetics.

This might seem like a lot, but remember your dentist is keeping track of these things too. During your consultation, they’ll be able to give you a more personalized estimate of how long it could take to complete your smile.

Your Dentist Values Efficiency

Your dentist will also do their best to make your smile makeover as convenient and efficient as possible. If they can perform multiple treatments in one visit, for example, they’ll do so to spare you from taking multiple trips to their office. The goal is to streamline your smile makeover, and you can trust your dentist to do this to the best of their ability!

About the Practice

At Creative Dental Solutions, we strive to provide our patients with dental care that goes above and beyond their expectations. Part of that means simplifying treatments where possible and working with hectic schedules! If you’re interested in a smile makeover in Bangor, our team would be happy to meet with you and discuss what your perfect treatment plan looks like. To contact our office, call 207-942-3000.