When a big event is coming up, it’s common to take a fresh look at your appearance. Faced with the prospect of getting dressed up, meeting new people or posing for photographs, most of us want to look our best. For some, this means seizing the day with a smile makeover.
As dentists, we know the confidence that goes hand in hand with a great smile. It makes a good first impression on others, but importantly, it also makes you feel good. So, if you’re thinking ahead, when should you begin? A timeline for better teeth will depend on your individual needs and the treatments you choose. Many need enough lead time for us to take impressions, organise lab work, or plan for multiple visits. Others can offer fantastic results in a shorter time frame.
Six to 12+ months before: orthodontics and dental implants
If you have plenty of time (up to a year, or even more), a range of treatment options are open to you. If needed, this is a good point to consider orthodontics. Invisalign treatment typically takes between six months and two years, depending on the complexity of your case, with review appointments usually spaced eight to twelve weeks apart.
If you have missing teeth you’d like to replace, dental implants are a gold-standard solution. These are placed into your jaw tissue, matching seamlessly with your natural teeth and strengthening your jawline. Implant treatment can take between four and nine months, from an initial consultation to aftercare, so we recommend starting well in advance of your event.
Two to three months before: veneers, crowns and bridges
Dental solutions like veneers and crowns can make a huge difference to your smile. For instance, well-crafted veneers help restore teeth that are chipped, misshapen or discoloured, resulting in a smoother or “cleaner” appearance. A crown or bridge, placed over a tooth, is a good solution for repairing and covering damage, or replacing historic fillings.
For the best results, these treatments include an initial consultation, precise digital design work, and time for your restorations to be custom-made. Building in two to three months will give us room to get every detail right.
A few weeks before: teeth whitening
With weeks to go, you’ve got plenty of time to factor in finishing touches. If you’d like a dramatic result with a fast turnaround, in-surgery Zoom whitening can lift your teeth several shades brighter in a single appointment. The treatment itself lasts just over an hour, leaving you with noticeably whiter teeth.
If you have a little more time in hand and want to chase an even brighter result, the combined home-and-in-practice Empower system can lighten teeth considerably further (up to 16 shades), by working more gradually. For this, we recommend allowing three weeks.
Days before: quick finishing touches
If an event has crept up on you, there are still things you can do. A hygiene and polish appointment can lift surface staining and freshen up your smile, while minor chips or gaps can sometimes be smoothed out with simple bonding; usually a single-visit fix.
Get event-ready
Preparations can depend on what’s coming up in your calendar. For a wedding, dates are often fixed well in the future. If you know when this falls – especially if it’s your own – we suggest touching base with us comfortably in advance. The notice period for big birthday celebrations can vary depending on planning, meaning these are often prompts for mid- to short-term work. For a career event, such as a job interview or photoshoot, you’re more likely to have less notice. In this instance, treatments like bonding and whitening can make a world of difference.
Creating a personalised plan
If you’re looking ahead, our team can help. We’ll work with you to understand what’s coming up, what input you might need, and when treatment will be most effective. Together, we’ll draw up a detailed timeline for revitalising your smile. To get started, simply book a free initial consultation with our Treatment Coordinator, Rebecca.