A wedding. A milestone birthday. A graduation, a reunion, new headshots for work. Big days come with a lot of photos, and plenty of people start thinking about their smile once the date is on the calendar.
The good news is there’s almost always something you can do. The catch is timing. Some cosmetic treatments take one visit, and others take months. Book too late and you may have fewer options. Book too close and you could be adjusting to something new the week of your event. Cosmetic dentistry before a big event works best when you plan around the time you actually have.
Here’s how to plan it so your smile is ready when the day arrives.
Start With a Consultation, Not a Treatment
Before you pick a treatment, find out what’s realistic for your timeline. At The Dental Office Encino, a cosmetic consultation starts with a conversation about what bothers you. Then Dr. Alan Howard or Dr. Yonatan Howard looks at your teeth and gums and talks through your options.
Bring your event date with you. It changes the plan. A patient who has a year can consider a very different set of treatments than someone who has six weeks.
You can also review the practice’s cosmetic treatment options before your consultation.
12 Months or More: Time to Straighten
If crowding, spacing, or crooked teeth are your main concern and the big day is a year or more away, clear aligners are worth a look. Most patients at the practice wear aligners for at least a year, though treatment length depends on where their teeth are starting. Dr. Yonatan Howard is a certified Invisalign® provider and can tell you whether your timeline is realistic.
A long runway also gives you room to do things in the right order. Many people straighten first and then follow up with whitening or small cosmetic touch-ups once their teeth are in their final position.
3 to 6 Months Out: Bigger Changes and Smile Makeovers
This is the window for treatments that change the shape, size, or color of several teeth, such as porcelain veneers or a full smile makeover. A smile makeover at The Dental Office Encino is a custom plan that can combine several procedures, like veneers, bonding, and replacing older fillings with tooth-colored ones.
These treatments usually take more than one appointment. You’ll also want breathing room after they’re done, so you have time to get used to your new smile, and the doctors have time to make adjustments if anything feels off. Starting early keeps you from rushing decisions you’ll be smiling with for years.
1 to 2 Months Out: Quick Cosmetic Fixes
Shorter timelines still leave good options.
Dental bonding can fix a small chip, close a minor gap, or even out an uneven edge, and it’s generally completed in a single appointment. It’s one of the most practical choices when the date is coming up fast.
Professional teeth whitening is another common pre-event treatment. One timing tip matters here: whiten before any bonding. Whitening changes the color of natural teeth but not bonding material, so you want the bonding matched to your brighter shade, not your old one.
If you have older crowns or fillings that look worn or discolored, ask about those too. The practice uses CEREC technology for certain crowns and onlays, so some restorations can be completed in one visit.
2 to 3 Weeks Out: Clean and Polish
Book a professional cleaning a few weeks before the event. It removes buildup and surface stains, and it gives your dentist one last look at everything before the photos start. If you’ve had bonding done, cleanings also help polish away surface stains on the bonded areas.
This is also a good time to tell the office about any sensitivity after whitening. Some people notice it for a short time, and it’s better to deal with it now than the week of.
The Week Of: Leave It Alone
The final week isn’t the time to try anything new. Skip at-home whitening products you’ve never used and avoid anything that could irritate your gums. Keep up your normal brushing and flossing, drink plenty of water, and let the work you’ve already done carry you through.
Not Sure What You Want? That’s Normal
Many people come in knowing only that something about their smile bugs them. That’s exactly what a consultation is for. Dr. Alan Howard has practiced since 1991 and focuses on cosmetic and restorative dentistry, and he continues his education monthly. He and Dr. Yonatan Howard offer bonding, veneers, whitening, clear aligners, and smile makeovers, so they can recommend what fits your teeth and your calendar rather than steering you toward one treatment. You can also browse before-and-after photos in the practice’s Smile Gallery to get a feel for what’s possible.
The American Dental Association also recommends meeting with a dentist, asking questions, and discussing your concerns before deciding whether a practice is the right fit. ADA guidance on choosing a dentist
The experience matters too, especially when you’re already juggling event planning. As one patient put it: “If you are in search of a new dentist, or just want to go to a dentist that won’t cause you pain or stress, go to see Dr. Howard!”
A Note on Cost
Treatments done purely for appearance usually aren’t covered by dental insurance, though some restorations may be partly covered. The doctors will review your estimated costs during your consultation. The office accepts PPO plans and also offers CareCredit financing with no- and low-interest payment plans, which can help if you’re planning several treatments ahead of your event.
Book Your Cosmetic Consultation
The earlier you start, the more options you’ll have. Whether your big day is a year away or a few weeks out, cosmetic dentistry before a big event can help you build a plan that fits your teeth, your timeline, and the result you want.
The Dental Office Encino is at 17071 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 102, Encino, CA 91316, and serves patients from Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Van Nuys, Woodland Hills, and nearby neighborhoods.
Call 818-300-0333 or contact the office to schedule a consultation and bring your event date. The sooner you start, the more time you’ll have to make thoughtful decisions about your smile.
