The Smile Makeover Recovery Process Explained

Many patients considering a smile makeover are unsure of what to expect when it comes to the recovery process. Understanding the recovery process is an important part of making the right choices for your cosmetic dentistry treatment.

A smile makeover can include a wide variety of different treatment options, each with its own unique recovery process.

Treatment Options with Little to No Recovery Time

Some smile makeover treatment options provide fast and convenient results with little to no recovery time. You may be able to walk out of the dental office with a beautiful smile in one appointment and get back to your day without any disruption.

For example, professional teeth whitening is a convenient in-office treatment that has your teeth noticeably whiter that very day. Some patients may experience some increased sensitivity immediately after their professional teeth whitening, but this quickly fades.

Options such as composite bonding and tooth-colored fillings also have very limited side effects and recovery time. The local anesthetic used in these procedures wears off shortly after your treatment, with the only real requirement being to avoid eating while your mouth is still numb.

It’s also a good idea to avoid chewing with the affected teeth for around 24 hours. You can simply chew using the other side of your mouth. You might experience some sensitivity in the affected teeth, but this shouldn’t last for more than a day or so.

Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments with Longer Recovery

Other smile makeover options can have a longer recovery period. For these procedures, it’s generally best to schedule the entire day off and possibly a day or two afterward for recovery.

Options such as dental crowns and bridges require preparing teeth to support the replacements. You’ll have a temporary crown or bridge put in place until the final replacement is ready from the dental lab. There may be some inflammation around the affected teeth for several days.

Veneers are another treatment that requires preparation and then temporary veneers until the final veneers are ready. In most cases, increased sensitivity is the only noticeable side effect during recovery after dental veneer placement.

You can avoid the most significant impact of tooth sensitivity by watching what you eat during your recovery period. Hot and cold foods are among the most likely to cause issues, along with acidic drinks such as soda, coffee, and wine.

Treatments that Take Place Over a Longer Period

Some cosmetic dentistry treatments take place over a longer period of time rather than just having one or two appointments in close proximity. Invisalign and dental implants are two examples of procedures that take place over the course of months.

The Timeline for Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign treatment can resolve alignment and bite issues much in the same way that traditional braces do. However, Invisalign treatment is much more comfortable. You can remove the clear plastic aligners as needed for eating and oral hygiene.

Your complete Invisalign treatment will likely take from six to eighteen months. However, you won’t have to worry about dealing with any serious side effects during this time. Invisalign treatment generally doesn’t cause any discomfort.

The Process of Receiving a Dental Implant

Dental implants are the most involved treatment option that can go into your smile makeover. The complete treatment process will take several months, but you’ll feel free from any side effects during most of that time.

After your consultation, your first appointment will be for implant placement surgery. The titanium dental implants are embedded in your jawbone to provide lasting support for replacement teeth.

Following this surgery, you may experience swelling, soreness, inflammation, and other side effects. You’ll have to stick to soft foods and specific oral hygiene instructions to avoid disturbing the implant site. The worst of the side effects should fade within two days, and you should be feeling back to normal after seven to ten days.

While noticeable side effects will be gone relatively quickly, your dental implants will take about four months to fully heal and bond with your jawbone. During that time, you’ll still have a gap in your smile. Once healed, the abutment and replacement tooth are placed in a quick and straightforward procedure at your dental office.

Understand Your Treatment Options in Los Gatos, CA

The best way to find out more about your treatment options and recovery expectations is to schedule a consultation at Smiles Los Gatos. Our team will develop a custom treatment plan for your smile makeover that delivers in terms of both results and patient experience.

Our dentists will fully explain what to expect during your recovery process and any short-term or ongoing care and hygiene requirements you will need to know. To learn more about your treatment options and how we can help you achieve your ideal smile, schedule a consultation with us today.