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How Long Do Cosmetic Dental Results Last? The Lifespan of Your Smile Makeover with Dr. Kelley Mingus

The field of cosmetic dentistry has evolved significantly in recent years. New and improved treatments that can transform patients’ smiles are becoming more widely available. This can quite literally change people’s lives. One of the most common questions we hear at our practice surrounds the longevity of these treatments. Patients want to know how long the results of their smile makeover will last.

This question is a great one and we commend you for asking it. It’s important to understand how long you can expect the results of your cosmetic dentistry to last. Whether it’s a simple teeth whitening treatment or a more complicated modification, knowing what to expect is key. That’s why we’ve put together this article to help you understand the lifespan of your smile makeover.

A Modern Smile Makeover and What It Entails

Cosmetic dentistry is an all-encompassing term used to describe any dental procedures done to improve the overall appearance of a person’s teeth, gums, and even the mouth. There is a wide range of treatments available within the field of cosmetic dentistry, and they all serve unique purposes. If you want to transform your smile, your dentist will recommend a series of procedures that are tailored to your specific needs and budget.

Modern smile makeovers typically include one or more of the following treatments:

  • Teeth Whitening: One of the most common cosmetic dental procedures, teeth whitening can generally last six months to two years depending on the individual and the type of treatment used.
  • Veneers: These are thin, custom-made pieces of porcelain that are fitted to the front-facing teeth to give you the smile of your dreams. Veneers generally last around 5-10 years before needing to be replaced.
  • Implants: On average, dental implants can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, though they have been known to last up to 30 years in some cases.
  • Orthodontic Treatment: Options such as Invisalign and traditional braces can straighten your teeth and eliminate issues such as crookedness in as little as one or two years.
  • Dental Bridges: These structural prosthetics can last up to 10 years with proper at-home and professional care.
  • Crowns: Crowns can last anywhere from 5 years to a couple of decades depending on how well you take care of them.
  • Gum Contouring: In most cases, gum contouring treatments can last for the remainder of your life as long as you practice good oral health habits.

Factors That Can Affect the Lifespan of Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments

The length of time your smile makeover will last can depend on a number of different factors. Here are a few things to consider when trying to determine the lifespan of your cosmetic dentistry treatments:

  • Your oral hygiene habits: Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine can not only keep your teeth and gums healthy, but it can also extend the durability of many smile makeover treatments. By brushing, flossing, and using an antiseptic oral rinse each day, you can help to ensure the proper alignment and attachment of restorations.
  • Food and drink: Certain foods and drinks can cause staining and discoloration to restorative treatments, making their lifespan shorter. Over time, these items can dull the brilliance of your new smile. Avoiding these, can save your new restorations from becoming discolored or stained.
  • Improper usage: If you’re using veneers, implants, bridges, or other restorative devices, it’s important to use them only in the way that was advised by your dentist. Using these materials improperly can lead to their quicker deterioration.
  • Medical conditions: Those with a history of bad oral health diagnosis may find that their cosmetic treatments don’t last as long as others, simply because of the increased risk of infections.

If you have a history of bad oral health diagnosis, discuss these with your cosmetic dentist before undergoing any restorative treatments. They will be able to guide you on what the best plan of action is for your particular situation.

You Can Expect to Enjoy Your New Smile for Years to Come

There really isn’t a simple answer to the question, “How long do cosmetic dental results last?” Treatments such as teeth whitening, veneers, implants, orthodontic devices, bridges, and crowns can last anywhere from a couple of years to decades depending on how well they are maintained.

Ultimately, you can expect to enjoy the results of your smile makeover for years to come if you take proper care of them. If you have questions about how to best maintain your restorative treatments, don’t hesitate to reach out to your cosmetic dentist. Dr. Kelley Mingus and our team would be happy to develop an oral care routine that is tailored to your unique needs.

If you are interested in learning more about our team’s approach to smile makeovers, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us. You can give our Montrose, CO practice a call at (970) 249-8200. We look forward to answering any and all of your questions!