Did you know that the demand for cosmetic dental work in the US has actually doubled within the last five years? More people than ever before are opting to upgrade their pearly whites, and there are several different ways of doing this! But before you commit to a particular treatment, you might have questions about the expected results and how long they’ll last. Keep reading to learn more.
How Long Do Cosmetic Dental Results Last?
These days, there are several ways that your dentist can enhance your pearly whites. Many of these treatments have varying degrees of usefulness and virtually endless applications. Here are some of the most sought-after cosmetic treatment options and their expected results:
- Teeth whitening – Most dentists offer both in-office whitening and take-home kits, both of which can whiten your teeth by several shades. Depending on the patient’s commitment to oral hygiene, these results can last anywhere from six months to three years.
- Porcelain veneers – Veneers are thin layers of custom-shaped dental porcelain that are firmly bonded to the outer surfaces of your teeth, improving their appearance tenfold. Veneers can last for 10 – 15 years or so under optimal conditions.
- Direct bonding (also called cosmetic bonding) – Your dentist can use a composite-resin material to mask minor flaws in teeth. Eventually the material can become discolored or wear away, but it’s easily replaced and can still last for 5 – 10 years before failing.
There are other treatment options that serve both aesthetic and restorative purposes, and these typically last longer than purely cosmetic services:
- Dental crowns – Like veneers, crowns are durable and can protect a tooth while simultaneously improving its appearance. A crown can last for up to 15 years before needing to be replaced, assuming it’s cared for diligently.
- Dental Implants – Often considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, dental implants restore lost teeth in terms of look, feel, and functionality. They can last for up to 20 or 30 years when properly cared for.
Tips for Maintaining Your Newly Enhanced Smile
With any type of cosmetic treatment, it’s crucial that you maintain optimal oral health moving forward in order to preserve your results. Consider the following tips to keep your new smile white and bright:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time using a soft-bristled toothbrush coupled with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Don’t skip flossing; it’s just as important as brushing!
- Reduce your consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
- Be mindful of items with staining agents such as coffee, soda, tea, red wines, soy sauce, and more.
- Avoid poor oral habits like smoking or using your teeth as tools—this can weaken your enamel!
- Regularly visit your dentist for routine preventive care.
If you’re interested in receiving cosmetic treatment to enhance your smile, speaking with your dentist about your desired results is your first step. With so many effective and long-lasting options, there’s certain to be a solution that works for you.
About the Practice
The team at Beacon Dentistry of Weatherford is honored to serve the dental needs of the Weatherford community under the leadership of Dr. Thomas Novak and Dr. Garrett Johannsen. Their practice is thrilled to offer an impressive array of services including several cosmetic treatment options. If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule a visit, you can contact Beacon Dentistry of Weatherford online or over the phone for assistance: (817) 594-7302.