How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Last?

If you aren’t confident in your smile, you don’t have to settle. There are a variety of cosmetic treatments in Hartford that can transform your smile into something you can be proud of. But how long does cosmetic dentistry last? Read on to learn more about the life expectancy of some common cosmetic dental treatments and for tips on keeping your smile bright and beautiful.

Teeth Whitening

Years of drinking red wine, coffee, and tea, eating berries, and using tobacco products can leave patients’ smiles stained and lackluster. Professional teeth whitening can help lift stubborn tooth stains and turn back the clock on your pearly whites. Whether you choose in-office or at-home whitening, you’ll be receiving a higher quality and more effective treatment than anything you could find at a drug store. Teeth whitening lasts anywhere from six months to three years, and many patients undergo routine treatments to keep their smiles bright. Regular brushing and flossing also helps extend your whitening results.

Invisalign

These discreet clear aligners allow you to obtain the smile you’ve always wanted without the need for obtrusive wires and brackets. Since Invisalign is removable, it’s easy to clean and you won’t have to alter your diet. The way you care for your teeth after treatment is ultimately what determines how long your results will last. With that being said, your new smile will become easier to maintain and more stable as time goes on. The most important thing when it comes to maintaining Invisalign results is to wear your retainer after your treatment as instructed by your dentist. With proper maintenance and by closely following your dentist’s instructions, your Invisalign results can last a lifetime.

Dental Bonding

Also called tooth bonding or direct bonding, this treatment uses a color-matched composite resin to reshape and repair smile imperfections such as minor stains, chips, or gaps. While the resin will need to be replaced over time, it usually lasts three to five years. If cared for properly, results can last even longer. Direct bonding is one of the most affordable cosmetic treatments you can get and can usually be completed in a single appointment.

Porcelain Veneers

These thin shells of tooth-colored porcelain are adhered to the front surface of a patient’s teeth to cover imperfections like chips, cracks, stains, and gaps. Veneers require the removal of a small amount of tooth enamel and can make smiles appear whiter and more uniform. They are highly durable and, with proper care, can last 15 years or longer.

Metal-Free Dental Crowns

When a tooth has suffered significant damage, a dental crown can be used to protect it from further harm as well as to cover unsightly cosmetic issues. These ceramic restorations are extremely durable and lifelike, allowing them to effortlessly blend with the rest of your smile. Crowns can last upwards of 15 years, but avoiding chewing on hard foods and objects and maintaining an excellent oral hygiene routine can extend their life expectancy even further.

Though cosmetic dentistry isn’t permanent, it can still benefit your smile for many years. Visit your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups so you can enjoy a gorgeous, smile for as long as possible!

About the Author

Unsatisfied with your smile? Led by Dr. Ukti Phadnis and Dr. Ajay Dhingra, the team at West Hartford Dental Group can give you a smile you’ll love. Whether you want to whiten your smile or straighten your teeth, you’re guaranteed to leave with a grin you’ll want to show off to the world! For more information on cosmetic dentistry or to schedule an appointment with West Hartford Dental Group, visit their website or call (860) 236-4249.