Did you know that people with dental flaws can feel so self-conscious about the state of their smile that they develop anxiety and depression? If you’re scared of being judged for your appearance, you might avoid spending time with others, which can detract from your daily quality of life.
Your dentist can provide one or more cosmetic services to upgrade your grin, but many patients want to know how long the results last before committing time and resources to the procedure. Continue reading to learn about how long the results from these 3 popular treatments usually last!
Option #1: Teeth Whitening
One of the first things others notice about you is the shade of your grin, and if yours looks more brown or yellow than pearly white, you’re less likely to make a positive impression. Fortunately, your dentist offers professional-grade teeth whitening solutions to help.
For instance, a single in-office procedure can potentially lighten your enamel by up to eight shades for instant results. Alternatively, you can opt for a take-home kit that contains everything you need to achieve top-quality results from the comfort of your living room, including ultra-concentrated gels and custom-fitted applicator trays.
You can expect this enhancement to last anywhere from six months to three years or longer; however, you will likely need to schedule periodic touch-ups to maintain the perfect tone.
Option #2: Veneers
These thin, ceramic shells are customized to be just the right shape, color, and size, and then are cemented to the front surfaces of your enamel to mask one or multiple imperfections. They’re a versatile solution often used to hide chips, cracks, stubborn stains, and mild gaps or slight misalignments.
This treatment involves making an irreversible change to your smile, however, because your dentist must remove some enamel for your restorations to fit correctly. This protective outer layer doesn’t regenerate, but your veneers are strong enough to resist damage and discoloration, shielding the underlying teeth. Additionally, they can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years or more if properly cared for, making them an excellent long-term solution.
Option #3: Dental Bonding
If you’re not keen on the idea of permanently altering your enamel, you might be a good candidate for dental bonding. This procedure addresses many similar issues to veneers, but it doesn’t involve the same level of preparation. Instead, your dentist applies color-matched composite resin directly to your enamel to mend or mask stains, damaged enamel, misshapen teeth, or fill in gaps. This can also last for 10 years or more if cared for correctly, but may not have quite the same longevity as porcelain veneers.
Caring for your smile is the easiest way to maintain your cosmetic results for as long as possible. Brushing and flossing twice daily, and visiting your dentist every six months for a routine check-up, help keep your grin healthy and prevents common dental concerns.
Meet the Author
Dr. Brent Whittaker is passionate about helping patients in Marion build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He earned his dental degree from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. Today, he offers a complete menu of services under one roof to meet all your family’s needs, including cosmetic procedures. His caring approach, combined with advanced technology, delivers comfortable and accurate results that are designed to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (740) 725-8000.