Well-done cosmetic dentistry can completely change your life. Going from a smile you hate to one that you love allows is a great feeling, one that naturally makes patients incredibly excited about what this field has to offer.
However, nothing good lasts forever. The results of your cosmetic treatment are likely to fade eventually, even despite your best efforts. Here’s how long you can expect your results to last, and what you can do to keep your beautiful smile for as much time as possible.
How Long does Cosmetic Dentistry Last?
Cosmetic dentistry is an incredibly broad field. Your dentist can use a variety of treatments to improve your smile, and depending on several factors, the amount of time that you can expect to keep your results around will change. Their lifespan can range from a few years to a few decades.
What Affects How Long My Results Will Last?
As a general rule, the results from quick and easy treatments will generally fade faster than those from more involved procedures. Teeth whitening, for example, can brighten your teeth almost immediately. However, your teeth will only stay white for 2-3 years at the most. Veneers, on the other hand, can brighten your smile for 10-20 years. Some treatments, like Invisalign, are even permanent if you follow your provider’s guidelines.
The lifespan of your cosmetic treatment also depends on you. If you’re thorough with your dental hygiene and avoid any harmful lifestyle choices, you can expect to get much more out of your treatment.
How to Make Your New Smile Last
When you see what cosmetic dentistry can do for you, you’ll probably want to do everything that you can to make your new smile stick around for as long as possible. There are a few tips you may want to keep in mind in this regard.
For one, you’ll need to commit to your dental hygiene—brush twice a day, floss daily, and use mouthwash in order to keep bacteria at bay. You should also see your dentist biannually for checkups and cleanings, as they will be able to help you watch for signs of wear and tear on your restoration. Finally, think about whether any of your daily habits could harm your dental work; refrain from eating anything that could put your teeth at risk, and refrain from problematic behaviors like smoking or nail biting.
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer Pham has always loved dentistry for its unique combination of art and science. Getting to use her creative and scientific mind at the same time to help people regain their confidence is incredibly rewarding for her. Dr. Pham received her dental degree from the Temple University School of Dentistry and has studied with the Las Vegas Institute of Neuromuscular and Restorative Dentistry in order to further her expertise in her field.
If you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry, she can be reached at her website or by phone at (703) 666-3867.