Cosmetic dentistry can make many noticeable improvements to your smile, but it’s important to know exactly what you can anticipate from treatment, including how long you can expect your results to last. Here are a few popular procedures and their estimated longevity.
Veneers / Lumineers
Veneers and Lumineers are a popular choice for patients looking to correct a variety of dental problems in one fast, effective treatment. With these prosthetics, you can change the shape, size, color, and spacing of your teeth, all the while resisting stains. With proper care and use, you can expect your veneers or Lumineers to last up to 20 years. To care for them, just brush and floss them as you would your untreated teeth but be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
Metal-Free Dental Restorations
Swapping your older dental work for metal-free restorations is a great way to remove unsightly dark spaces in your smile. Your dentist can now match your new fillings, crowns, or other dental work to the shade of your natural teeth, so nobody needs to know you have them! With excellent care, they can last ten or more years. Best of all, they provide excellent protection for your teeth and thanks to the durable materials used, they can be utilized to eat a full diet.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Do your teeth have chips, uneven edges or deep stains? Cosmetic dental bonding can help. This treatment is often touted as an affordable alternative to veneers, but unlike their more involved counterpart, this treatment may only last about five years. Thus, be sure to avoid bad oral habits like biting fingernails, chewing pen caps, tearing open packaging, and crunching hard candies or ice cubes to extend your results for as long as possible.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional whitening can be done both at home or in your dentist’s office and can remove up to eight shades of discoloration. For in-office treatment, this can be accomplished in about one hour, and in around two weeks for take-home. It is important to note that while results from professional whitening are permanent, it is possible to re-stain your teeth if you’re not careful. Thus, be sure to stick to a “white” diet for a few days following your treatment, and plan on visiting your dentist if you need a refill or a refresher.
Gum Recontouring / Crown Lengthening
Do your teeth seem “too small” or does your smile appear to be too “gummy”? Gum recontouring / crown lengthening is a procedure that removes excess tissue, so your teeth appear larger and your gums smaller. Because the tissue is permanently removed, this treatment will last a lifetime, making a dramatic change in your smile without ever needing to touch your actual teeth!
Remember, with proper care and use, your cosmetic dentistry treatment could last for many years, but it will depend greatly on the procedure you choose and how well you maintain your smile.
About Our Practice
At Smile Castle Rock, Dr. Radz and Dr. Thompson are proud to offer a wide range of life-changing cosmetic dentistry treatments under one convenient roof. If you’d like to make lasting changes to your smile, schedule a consultation with us today and learn more about how cosmetic dentistry can help! You can book through our website or call us directly at 303-663-9600.