You want to be able to enjoy a flawless, cosmetically enhanced smile. But you’re also prudent and have a tight schedule. If you’re going to invest time and money into dental cosmetics, you want to know how long your new aesthetics will last.
The precise lifespan of one of these treatments can vary, depending on which option you choose and your own dental habits. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t estimate a temporal budget! Keep reading to learn more.
Teeth Whitening: 6 Months – 3 Years
In a sense, white teeth are inherently ephemeral. You might not even be doing anything “wrong” – dental stains can cause yellowing through simple wear and tear. In-office whitening treatments can make your pearly whites brighter by up to ten shades and can do so in as little as twenty-minutes.
However, to stretch out the longevity of your treatment results, you’ll have to commit to a daily oral hygiene routine and avoid foods and drinks with strong pigments.
Porcelain Veneers: Up to 15 Years
Porcelain is an incredibly durable and nonporous material. It resists damage and stains very well, and naturally lends an eternal element to products. Dental veneers are thin, custom-crafted shells that are adhered to the front-facing sides of your teeth. When they’re made from porcelain, you can reasonably expect them to last for a long time.
That doesn’t mean they can endure neglect, though! As with teeth whitening, your porcelain veneers will discolor if not regularly cleaned, or if frequently exposed to delights like coffee and berries. You’ll also want to avoid extremely tough, crunchy substances, like hard candy – even porcelain has its limits.
All-Ceramic Restorations: 10 – 15 Years
Porcelain and ceramic are in fact different substances, but only slightly. Dental restorations such as crowns and fillings that are made from ceramic will last about as long as porcelain veneers – when taken care of through good oral hygiene, of course. They’re also tooth-colored and custom-crafted, which is why they’re both a restoration and cosmetic.
If your tooth needs more coverage and support than a porcelain veneer can offer, you can enjoy the same level of quality from an all-ceramic restoration.
Direct Bonding: 8 – 15 Years
During a direct bonding treatment, your dentist will sculpt a composite resin “bond” over the flaws in your teeth – which can include deep staining. Composite resins aren’t quite as hardy as porcelain or ceramic, but the trade-off is moldability for precise application. It’s an ideal option for patients wanting to alter their natural pearly whites as little as possible. You should know, though, that direct bonding can’t be whitened. You’ll have to brush and floss diligently to keep the resin tooth-colored for as long as possible.
As you might have noticed, oral hygiene is a significant factor in the longevity of your dental cosmetics. When you consult with your dentist about your treatment options, ask for maintenance tips. They’ll be happy to help you enjoy your new smile for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. James Kirby especially enjoys cosmetic dentistry, as it allows him to help his patients achieve the winning smile they’ve always dreamed of. Improving his patients’ confidence through dentistry is incredibly rewarding, and he would be happy to discuss your dental cosmetic options and review their many benefits. To contact Dr. Kirby’s office, call 615-327-2123.