If you are thinking about investing in cosmetic dentistry, you have much to look forward to! Treatment might be able to completely transform your smile and give you a big confidence boost! However, you might wonder if cosmetic dentistry is really worth it. Will your results last long enough for you to get your money’s worth? This blog post discusses the average life expectancy of some popular treatments. It also provides tips to help you maintain your new look for as long as possible.
Teeth Whitening
The lifespan of teeth whitening depends heavily on your daily habits. If you smoke or consume a lot of highly pigmented foods and beverages, new stains may occur within just a couple of months. However, if you use whitening toothpaste, eat a balanced diet, and periodically get touchup whitening treatments, your brighter smile could endure for years.
Dental Bonding
On average, dental bonding lasts for 3 – 5 years. Eventually, it can start to wear down or even break altogether. You can help it endure by not biting on hard objects, sticking to a thorough oral hygiene routine, and wearing a mouthguard at night if you are prone to bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).
Veneers
Porcelain veneers may last for 10 – 15 years or longer. In fact, some people are able to keep their veneers in great shape for up to 30 years! To protect them from premature damage, you should use a low-abrasive toothpaste, minimize your alcohol consumption, wear a mouthguard to prevent bruxism (if necessary), avoid smoking, and stick to other good habits.
Orthodontia
After you finish treatment with Invisalign or another type of orthodontic treatment, your results might last a lifetime. However, they can only do so if you wear your retainer as directed. Your dentist may ask you to wear it full-time for a while. Eventually, you may need to wear it just a few nights each week.
Metal-Free Crowns
Metal-free restorations, such as porcelain crowns, can last for a decade or longer (in some cases, much longer). Similar to other cosmetic treatments, you can protect your results by maintaining good oral hygiene, preventing teeth grinding, eating a reasonable diet, and taking other simple precautions.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Worth It?
There are no guarantees regarding how long the results of your cosmetic treatment will last. However, if you take good care of your mouth, you can be confident that your beautiful smile will stand the test of time!
Meet the Practice
The talented team of dentists at Westgate Dental Care is proud to provide a range of cosmetic treatments to patients in our community. If you have questions about any specific treatments or how long you can expect your results to last, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact our Arlington Heights office at 847-577-7171.