How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Typically Last?

You don’t have to settle for a smile that you aren’t confident showing off. There are numerous cosmetic dental treatments out there to help you transform the appearance of your smile into something that makes you feel confident, but how long does this last? Can you expect your results to be permanent or will you need to undergo cosmetic treatment again in the future? Read on to learn about some of the most common cosmetic treatments and how long you can experience the benefits.

Teeth Whitening

This is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments out there to choose from. After all, everyone wants to feel great about the appearance of their smile. However, years of using tobacco products, drinking red wine, eating berries, or just aging will lead to discoloration over time. Professional teeth whitening can last anywhere from six months to three years. This is something that many patients decide to undergo routinely to keep their smile bright!

Direct Bonding

Bonding involves the use of a composite resin to reshape and repair imperfections to the teeth. This treatment usually lasts anywhere from three to five years or longer if it is cared for properly. While this does need to be replaced over time, it is one of the most affordable cosmetic dental procedures out there and can usually be completed in just a single appointment.

Veneers

Veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored porcelain. They are adhered to the front surface of the teeth in order 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 care.

Invisalign

Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to slowly shift your teeth to their rightful locations without the use of metal brackets and wires. Once your treatment is complete, the results are permanent as long as you continue to wear your retainer as directed going forward. This keeps your teeth from shifting back to their original locations.

Gum Recontouring

Gum recontouring involves the use of a laser to remove excess gum tissue that is causing the appearance of a “gummy smile.” After the excess tissue is removed, it does not grow back. Therefore, this is a permanent procedure.

Cosmetic dental treatments have a variety of lifespans. You can benefit from many of them for numerous years down the road and sometimes the rest of your life!

About the Author

Dr. Marjun Ayati is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for well ever two decades. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland and is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Virginia Dental Association, and the Northern Virginia Dental Society. For more information on cosmetic dentistry or to schedule an appointment at her office in Fairfax, visit her website or call (703) 560-6301.