You shouldn’t settle for anything less than the smile you want. There are a lot of treatments out there to help you feel confident about your teeth, but how long does cosmetic dentistry last?
Will your results be permanent or is another dental checkup needed pretty soon? Keep reading to learn about the lifespan of various cosmetic treatments and see how long you’ll be able to benefit from them.
Porcelain Veneers
Most patients are able to get a decade of wear from their veneers. With proper maintenance, their lifespan can extend to 20 years. Potential factors that could damage veneers include tooth trauma, teeth grinding, biting hard substances, poor oral health habits, or infections.
Dental Bonding
It offers appealing results and a lifespan of typically 3-5 years. Dental bonding will eventually wear away or it can stain from prolonged exposure to pigmented foods and beverages. At that point, the patient can have the bonding redone, or they could pivot to a longer-lasting option like veneers or a dental crown.
Teeth Whitening
Years of drinking coffee and wine can dull teeth over time, but teeth whitening treatments have become one of the most popular aspects of cosmetic dentistry because of how common this issue is. Teeth whitening does have a shorter lifespan than other cosmetic treatments, but the results can be maximized by avoiding teeth-staining foods or beverages and maintaining good oral hygiene. Using at-home whitening trays occasionally can extend the lifespan of professional whitening treatment.
Dental Implants
Dental implants have only been available for about 30 years and clinical studies are still trying to ascertain their estimated lifespan, but it is believed to be at least 20 years. A severe gum infection is an example of an issue that could threaten the functionality of an implant. In most cases, only the restoration (dental crown) may require simple repairs or replacement.
If you are looking for “a whole new you” when it comes to your smile, cosmetic dentistry can be a difference-making decision. You can change your appearance drastically. Most of these treatments can last a long time if you are diligent about maintaining them, which includes regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene.
About the Author
Dr. Nelson Howard loves the creativity that is inherent to dentistry and how no two days are ever the same. He received his dental doctorate from the UCLA School of Dentistry. Dr. Howard is proud to be the first dentist in North San Diego County to become an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. If you are interested in a cosmetic treatment, he answers your questions on the various options during a consultation. Dr. Howard will point out that any treatment can last longer if you are taking good care of your teeth along the way. To make an appointment, visit his website or call (858) 451-0550.