If you're getting married or participating in a special event soon, don't forget to plan for your cosmetic dentistry needs. Any happy occasion includes many photo opportunities, and you won't want to worry about your smile while enjoying your friends and family.
Sometimes our patients come to us with urgent needs for cosmetic work. We can do Botox or teeth whitening in just one appointment shortly before your event. For other services, you should plan at least six months to a year ahead. Here is our suggested timeline for planning your cosmetic dentistry needs before a milestone event.
Consultation: Six Months to One Year Ahead
The first step in receiving cosmetic dental work is sitting down with your dentist to discuss your vision for an improved smile. The dentist can help you decide which procedures make sense for you and which elements you can combine to maximize their effects.
Invisalign: One Year Ahead
If you are concerned about the alignment of your teeth, ensure that Invisalign is your first cosmetic procedure. Invisalign discreetly straightens teeth and provides an attractive, healthy-looking smile in approximately twelve months. Invisalign is faster and gentler than braces and is ideal for busy professionals. Invisalign can also improve your dental bite, helping to prevent problems like TMJ syndrome that can appear in stressful times.
Smile Makeover: One Year Ahead
A smile makeover combines cosmetic or restorative dental procedures. These procedures may include bonding, veneers, implants, and replacing worn-out fillings and crowns. Plan with your dentist, especially if you want to combine these procedures with Invisalign. Sometimes this process can take longer than a year.
Veneers: Three Months Ahead
Porcelain veneers are durable, stain-resistant, and relatively affordable alternatives to other cosmetic procedures. They can cover chipped, stained, gapped, and slightly misaligned teeth. It generally takes at least two appointments to place veneers, so plan in advance if you want this treatment.
Dental Cleaning: Two Months Ahead
Dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar and polish your teeth to their best appearance. Dental cleanings can also remove surface stains. Getting a dental cleaning before your special event will brighten your smile and address any last-minute issues.
Teeth Whitening: One Month Ahead
The last step in your cosmetic dental preparations will be teeth whitening. In-office whitening is far safer and more effective than over-the-counter solutions. You can walk out of the dentist's office with teeth that are several shades whiter in just one visit.
Completing the whitening process before your event will allow the whitened teeth to rehydrate and settle, maximizing the effect. When you look at the photos of your special event, you'll be glad you had your teeth whitened.
Schedule Your Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation Today
If you want to enhance your smile's appearance before your wedding or another special event, call our Framingham office at 508-620-6622 . Your dentist can explain your options and which procedures fit your timeline. We wish you the best as you plan your joyful event.