Every year, millions of U.S. adults who feel self-conscious about aesthetic imperfections in their teeth turn to cosmetic dentistry to boost their self-confidence. Whether you’re frustrated by chipped or cracked enamel, stubborn stains, or dental misalignments, your dentist offers various solutions to help enhance your appearance.
But it’s natural to have questions about what to expect from the results, and many patients wonder how long they get to enjoy the outcome. But the answer can depend on the type of services you received. Read on to learn more about how long these 3 popular treatments usually last!
Service #1: Teeth Whitening
One of the first things people notice is the quality of your smile, and if your teeth look darker yellow or brown, you might not make a positive impression. If you want to look your best for an upcoming event or are simply frustrated by seeing dental discoloration when you catch a glimpse of your smile in the mirror, you might benefit from professional teeth whitening.
Many dentists offer in-office procedures and customized take-home kits that utilize ultra-concentrated gels and custom-fitted applicator trays for reliable results that can last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years. However, you might require periodic retreatments to preserve the perfect hue.
Service #2: Veneers
These thin, porcelain shells are customized to match the tone, size, and shape of your natural teeth and then are cemented to their front surfaces to mask imperfections. They’re a versatile way to address one or multiple concerns, such as stubborn stains, chips, cracks, and even mild overcrowding or gaps.
They’re not intended to be removed once they’re attached to your teeth, and can remain in good shape for 20+ years if cared for correctly. You can help maintain them by brushing and flossing twice daily and avoiding overly dark, hard, crunchy, sugary, or sticky foods.
Service #3: Invisalign
Not only can crooked, gapped, or overcrowded teeth make you feel self-conscious about your appearance, but they can also potentially detract from your dental health. It can be harder to brush and floss all their surfaces, increasing the risk of developing oral issues, such as cavities or gum disease.
Although braces are the traditional solution for straightening smiles, the bulky metal brackets don’t do much to improve self-esteem. Thankfully, many dentist offer Invisalign, which uses transparent plastic trays to shift your teeth to their ideal places more discreetly and comfortably. You may be required to wear a retainer once you’ve completed treatment, but the results can last for the rest of your life!
If you have additional questions about various cosmetic procedures or what to expect from the outcome, you can learn more by contacting your dentist for a consultation!
Meet the Author
Dr. Erik Holz enjoys helping his patients improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Florida College of Dentistry, and today, he provides a comprehensive menu of services, including various cosmetic procedures, to meet all your needs under one roof. Whether you want to straighten your smile or lighten your enamel, he uses state-of-the-art technology to tailor treatment plans that help you achieve your goals. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (407) 654-0070.