Cosmetic dentistry can powerfully change the appearance of your smile. For many people, it is just what they need to discover new confidence and put a spring in their step. Before you spend money on treatment, though, you might wonder how long your results will last. Will they endure long enough for your investment to be truly worth it? Continue reading to discover some realistic and practical information.
The Average Lifespan of Popular Treatments
Your dentist cannot make any promises about how long your results will last. However, based on the experiences of other patients, they can provide information about the average lifespan of popular treatments. For example:
- Teeth whitening may last anywhere from a few months to a few years.
- Dental bonding often lasts for 3 – 5 years, though for some people, it lasts longer.
- Veneers usually last 10 years or longer. In fact, many patients keep their first set of veneers for a minimum of 15 – 20 years.
- Metal-free crowns often endure for at least 10 years.
- Invisalign has the potential to produce permanent results.
Getting the Most Out of Your Treatment
How long your cosmetic dentistry results last will depend at least partially on you. You must take good care of your mouth if you want to maintain your smile’s enhanced appearance! Here are a few tips to that end:
- Maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine. This can reduce new dental stains and protect the teeth that are supporting your restorations.
- Do not smoke or chew tobacco. These can cause discoloration on your teeth and restorations. They also put your oral health in danger.
- Adjust your eating habits. You should not bite down on hard objects that might break your veneers, bonding, or crowns, such as ice or pen caps. You should also limit the amount of highly pigmented items that you consume.
- Minimize your alcohol intake. Overconsumption of alcohol can cause dental discoloration and endanger your oral health.
- Follow posttreatment instructions. For example, you should be sure to wear your retainer after completing Invisalign treatment.
- Visit your dentist regularly. Twice-yearly checkups can help you to protect both your oral health and your cosmetic dentistry results.
Cosmetic dentistry could give you a beautiful smile that lasts for years! Taking good care of your mouth is a key to making your results endure for as long as possible.
Meet the Practice
The team at Willow Run Dental Association is proud to provide a range of high-quality cosmetic services, including teeth whitening, dental bonding, veneers, and more. If you are interested in enhancing your smile, we would be happy to answer your questions about the treatment process and aftercare. Contact our friendly staff in Auburn at 207-352-2825.