There are few occasions in life where we’re going to be the subject of more pictures than our wedding. And these are pictures that you and others will regularly look back on to enjoy the memories. Whether you’re the bride, the maid of honor, a bridesmaid, or the mother of the bride or groom, your smile is going to be on full display.
If that thought makes you nervous, it’s time to start doing something about it. In fact, if you’re considering a smile makeover, you should start planning when the wedding planning starts to make sure you have enough time.
Finding the Right Dentist Can Take Time
Your cosmetic dentist is going to make the biggest difference in the quality of your smile makeover, so it’s important to take the time to find the right one for you. If you know other people who have had cosmetic dentistry, talk to them about their dentist. If they make a recommendation, follow up, but also make sure you consider other dentists, too. You should visit at least three dentists before making up your mind.
Some Procedures Can Take up to a Year
Most cosmetic dentistry can be completed in much less time, but some procedures take time. Orthodontics and dental implants can both take up to a year, although typically they are much shorter, especially these days.
With orthodontics, it takes time for your teeth to move. Your body has to remodel the bones around your teeth, allowing them to move. In the past, orthodontic treatment regularly took a year or two. These days, modern technologies and techniques like Invisalign often allow us to straighten your teeth in just six months–sometimes less.
But it’s best to get started as soon as possible. You don’t want to risk having to wear braces or even Invisalign aligners at your wedding or on the honeymoon.
Dental implants rarely take a year, but if you have poor oral health or it’s been a long time since you lost your teeth, it’s good to get started sooner because your procedure might be more complicated.
Six Months: Orthodontics and Implants Are Still Options
If you’re down to just six months before the wedding, it’s still possible that you can get orthodontics. With modern technology and techniques, it’s quite likely that you will be able to get your teeth straightened in six months or less. During your consultation, we can talk about how the complexities of your case and whether you’re likely to get the results you want in the time you have.
At six months, most dental implant procedures can still be completed. It rarely takes six months–and many people can get implants the same day as teeth are extracted–but three months is a good average. Talking about it at six months gives us ample time in most cases.
At Three Months, Veneers Are Best
If you’re down to three months before the wedding and you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, porcelain veneers are probably your best option for getting the results you want. Porcelain veneers can be used to do many of the things orthodontics do: straighten teeth, close gaps, and improve your smile lines. But they can be completed in just a few visits. This may take more than a month, but it is definitely less than three.
Getting your smile makeover at three months allows you to have it all out of the way by the time you’re in the heavy crush of final planning.
Teeth Whitening at Two Months for Best Results
Teeth whitening can be done in many ways, but you get the best results with a take-home whitening system provided by your dentist. This allows you to gradually whiten your teeth with whitening trays you wear at night. It typically takes six weeks for you to achieve maximum results, so starting at two months will give you time to achieve your desired results well before the wedding.
One Month or Less
But what can you do if you’re getting down to the crunch? Don’t worry, there are still things that can be done. For minor chips and cracks, dental bonding can be used. It’s a one-visit procedure and can achieve beautiful results that will help you look your best at the wedding.
There is also in-office teeth whitening. This procedure whitens your teeth dramatically with just a one-hour visit to our office.
Get a Smile You’ll Love to Share
Your wedding–and those of close friends and family–are some of the happiest days of your life. You’re going to want to be smiling. With cosmetic dentistry, you can get a bright, beautiful smile that you’ll be happy to share. You’ll be able to smile without a second thought and focus on enjoying the time.
If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist in Scripps Ranch to help with your wedding smile, please call our office today for an appointment with Dr. Ramin Goshtasbi at Oasis Dental Arts.