If you’ve decided to make the exciting choice to improve your smile with a cosmetic dentistry treatment, you’re probably curious about how long your results will last. After all, it isn’t just an investment in your teeth, but in your wallet as well. Here are a few popular treatments your dentist offers, and how long you can expect them to hold up with proper care so you can make the most of your money, and your gorgeous new grin!
Porcelain Veneers
These extremely thin porcelain shells were designed to fit over your existing teeth and change their shape, size, color, and even spacing. With proper care and use, you can expect them to last up to 20 years. To that end, be sure to brush them twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss daily, and avoid eating anything too hard or crunchy like ice cubes or hard candies. Furthermore, be sure to never use your teeth (treated or not!) to open packaging or as tools. Be aware that with veneers, because your dentist must remove a small amount of enamel to attach them, treated teeth will always need a either a crown or veneer going forward.
Tooth-Colored Restorations
Tooth colored restorations are an excellent way to repair damaged teeth without it being obvious you’ve had them fixed. Whether you want to replace older metal fillings that are visible when you open your mouth, or you’d like to repair new damage, composite resin can blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile, so nobody will ever need to know you have them!
With proper care and use, you can expect them to last around ten years. Best of all, because they’re strong and durable, you can use them to enjoy a full diet!
Cosmetic Bonding
Do you have teeth that are chipped, badly stained, have large gaps, or are misshapen or uneven? Cosmetic bonding is an affordable way to repair them. Treatment can be done in just one appointment and is completely painless. Best of all, because it uses the same, durable composite resin as tooth-colored restorations, treated teeth can be used just like your natural ones. This treatment can last up to five years with proper care.
Teeth Whitening
Whether you choose in-office or take-home whitening, the results for this treatment are considered permanent; however, they can become re-stained. Both methods can remove up to eight shades of discoloration. For in-office, the procedure takes about an hour, while most patients see results from take-home kits in about two weeks. To ensure that your smile stays beautiful, be sure to eat a “white” diet for the first three days after treatment and then avoid darkly pigmented foods and beverages and tobacco products to reduce your risk of new stains forming.
Remember, although cosmetic dentistry can be a big investment, it’s likely one you won’t regret making. To learn more about which treatments are best for you and your individual smile goals, including how to make sure they last as long as possible, schedule a consultation with your dentist.
About Dr. Thomas
Dr. Kyrslyne Thomas earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry at Georgia State University and her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the Medical College of Georgia. Since then, she has taken countless hours of continuing education in cosmetic dentistry. She is a proud, active member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Clear Aligners. To schedule a consultation at Elora Dental Studio for cosmetic dentistry, visit our website or call 832-520-2949.