You don’t have to settle for a smile that you don’t feel confident showing off. There are various cosmetic dental treatments available to help you completely transform your smile. However, something you may be wondering is how long you can expect the results to last. Read on to learn about some of the most common cosmetic treatments and how long you can experience the benefits.
Veneers
Veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored porcelain. They are adhered to the front surfaces of the teeth to cover up a variety of imperfections, like chips, cracks, stains, gaps, undersized teeth, and misshapen teeth. They are very durable and can last upward of 15 years when cared for properly.
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 routine to keep their smile bright.
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.
Crown Lengthening Treatment
If you don’t have enough visible structure to successfully place a dental crown or another restoration, your dentist may recommend a crown lengthening treatment. This procedure involves removing excess gum tissue, which is permanent.
Gum Grafting & Recontouring
Do you feel that your gum to tooth ratio is balanced? If you have suffered from gum recession due to gum disease or another treatment, this means that you could be a candidate for gum grafting to restore lost gum tissue. Alternatively, gum recontouring involves the removal of excess gum tissue that causes the appearance of a gummy smile. After gum tissue is added or removed, it is permanent, so you can expect the results to last indefinitely.
Cosmetic dentistry has various lifespans. You can benefit from many of them for numerous years down the road and some for the rest of your life.
About the Author
Dr. Gary C. Nawrocki has more than four decades of experience in the field. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Florida. Currently, he is a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. He has a Mastership with the Academy of General Dentistry and Diplomate status with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry or to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call (321) 783-7514.