If you are looking for ways to enhance your smile, then look no further than cosmetic dentistry! These treatments are designed to fix flaws in your grin, helping it be as aesthetic as you want it to be. However, you may wonder how long the results you get will last. Here is what you need to know about three popular services people get and how you can increase their longevity.
1.) Teeth Whitening
When you get professional teeth whitening, you can brighten your smile by up to eight shades. It takes about two weeks of using a customized take-home kit from your dentist, but your new look can last between six months and two years. This is a large range because many factors can stain your teeth, such as poor oral hygiene, dark-colored drinks, and using tobacco. However, you can get touchups to preserve your whiter smile for longer.
2.) Metal-Free Restorations
While restorations aren’t necessarily a “cosmetic” treatment, your dentist takes their aesthetic into account. Many practices opt to use metal-free options to help them blend in seamlessly. A tooth-colored filling can last up to seven years, while a crown can last up to 15 years with the proper care.
3.) Dental Bonding
A quick and efficient way to fill in minor chips and cracks is with dental bonding. It uses the same composite resin material as a filling does, but it fixes cosmetic issues instead of cavities. Similarly, it can last between three and seven years. This makes it a more affordable way to fix up a tooth or two.
What Can I Do to Preserve My Results?
After you find the treatment that’s right for you, the smile you’ve always wanted may greet you in the mirror! You’ve invested in your teeth and you may want to protect your renewed look, so you should do your best to preserve your results. Thankfully, this can be an easy feat. Here are simple tips to follow:
- Keep up with brushing and flossing twice a day to remove harmful plaque that increases your risk of oral health issues and staining!
- Break bad oral habits, such as smoking, chewing ice and pens, and using your teeth as tools. These can damage your smile or increase your risk of dental problems over time.
- Limit dark-colored drinks to avoid discoloration and drink water to wash away lingering particles.
- Have routine visits with your dentist! Doing so can help keep your smile the best it can be for years to come and make sure your results stay in great shape.
About the Author
Dr. Dustin Lively earned his dental degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. He is dedicated to helping the Mangum community get the high-quality oral healthcare they deserve. By going to Dr. Lively about your dental flaws, he can help give you the grin you dream of with cosmetic dentistry. If you want to see what treatments would be right for you, schedule an appointment or call his office at (580) 782-2552.