If you aren’t completely confident in your smile, you don’t need to settle for it. There are a wide variety of cosmetic treatments out there that can help you achieve the beautiful pearly whites that you’ve been dreaming of. However, you may be wondering when you can expect the effects to wear off. Read on to learn about the lifespan of cosmetic dental treatments so you know what you can look forward to.
Teeth Whitening
This is one of the most common cosmetic dental treatments available. After all, no one wants teeth that are a tinge of yellow. However, years of tobacco products, drinking red wine, eating berries, and just aging will eventually lead to discoloration. Professional teeth whitening can last anywhere from six months to a few years depending on how well you maintain the results. This is something that many patients decide to undergo routinely to keep their smiles bright.
Veneers
Veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored porcelain. They’re adhered to the front-facing surfaces of the teeth to cover up a variety of cosmetic imperfections, including chips, cracks, stains, gaps, undersized teeth, and misshapen teeth. They are very durable and can last upwards of 15 years with proper maintenance.
Metal-Free Dental Crowns
Just like veneers, crowns are very durable and can last up to 15 years or longer before they need to be replaced. When a tooth is extensively damaged, crowns can protect the teeth while covering up unsightly cosmetic issues that the tooth may have. To ensure that a crown lasts, it is important to maintain excellent oral hygiene. This means brushing twice and flossing every single day. It’s also important to see your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups every six months.
Invisalign
Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to slowly shift misaligned teeth into aligned positions. Depending on the complexity of your case, you can complete your treatment in as little as six months, but you will start seeing results in just a few weeks. After your treatment is finished, you will receive a retainer to prevent your teeth from gradually shifting back into their original places. By wearing your retainer as directed, your results should be permanent.
Cosmetic dentistry may not last forever, but it is something that you can benefit from for many years down the road. If you take the time to care for your smile with excellent oral hygiene and regular checkups, you can continue to show off your gorgeous results!
About the Practice
At Devonshire Dental of Boston, we have a team of four cosmetic dentists serving the Boston community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need conveniently under one roof. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry or to schedule a consultation with us, visit our website or call (617) 350-7474.