If you’re like most, you’ll feel excited after you’ve had a cosmetic dental service. What other emotion makes sense when treatment gives you a gorgeous and eye-catching grin? Even so, it’s also natural to feel curious about a key point: How long does cosmetic dentistry last? This question impacts your smile’s looks over time, so it’s only fair to mull it over. You needn’t wonder long, though; your Temple dentist has answers to offer in the summary below.
It Depends on the Cosmetic Treatment
Since they work differently, cosmetic dental treatments have varying lifespans. How long your results last will depend on the exact procedure you get. For example, just look at the three services below:
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening doesn’t last long compared to other cosmetic options. Because it uses non-invasive bleaching gel, its results only stick around for six months to three years at most. (Said gel’s ingredients seep into your enamel to remove lingering tooth stains.) Given these facts, you may need to get follow-up care sooner rather than later.
Porcelain Veneers
As veneers are thin, porcelain shells, they tend to last for an extended period. Even an average one has a lifespan of about 15 years or so! With that said, the treatment can last much longer if you maintain your smile properly. Research shows the shells will work for 20 years when given proper care.
Dental Bonding
While dental bonding amounts to a “light touch,” its results can persist longer than you’d think. The procedure’s unique resin takes time to fade from age, wear and tear, and so on. As a result, dental bonding has an average treatment lifespan of three to ten years. You can trust it to hide stains, chips, cracks, and more during that period.
How to Extend Cosmetic Dentistry Results
Cosmetic dentistry results don’t last forever, but you can keep them from fading early. All you have to do is the following:
- Keep Your Smile Clean: Done consistently, twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing can prevent tooth stains that undo treatment results.
- Watch Your Eating: If you eat too much sugar, it’ll cause your teeth to decay and discolor. That means you should have “mouth-healthy” alternatives like lean proteins and leafy greens instead.
- Quit Bad Oral Habits: Over time, bad habits like smoking and teeth grinding can wear down treatment results.
- Get Dental Checkups: By attending dental checkups, your dentist can keep oral issues from disrupting your cosmetic dental work.
With tricks like those above, you can help cosmetic dentistry last as long as possible!
About the Author
Dr. Richard Fossum is a dentist based in Temple, TX, having earned his DDS from the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry. His training and experience have made him a skilled expert in comprehensive dentistry, especially preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services. That means you can trust him to make your smile strong and beautiful for a lifetime! Today, Dr. Fossum practices at his self-titled clinic and is reachable on his website and by phone at (254)-831-4397.