How Long Do Cosmetic Dental Treatments Last?

The question of how long will my cosmetic dental treatment last is a regular one that is asked. After all, you’d likely want the end results to endure for a while.

Not all cosmetic dental treatments are the same and each treatment will have different lifespans. With that being said, let’s look at the lifespan of the most common cosmetic dental treatments.

Teeth Whitening

Without a doubt, teeth whitening is one of the most common treatments available to improve your smile. However, the somewhat frustrating answer to this question is “it depends.”

Teeth whitening can last between six months and three years. It all depends on the person and their lifestyle choices. Things that will stain your teeth quickly after having them whitened are of course smoking, red wine, coffee, tea and dark fruits.

Brushing and flossing regularly twice a day will help avoid these staining food and keep your teeth whiter for longer. However, at some point, you may wish to have your teeth whitened again as staining is inevitable over time, it just depends how well you can keep staining foods at bay. 

Porcelain Veneers

Quick answer: 10-15 years, sometimes longer.

Despite the perception that they are delicate, Porcelain veneers are actually long lasting and are highly durable. When they are done by a specialist such as a prosthodontist, they do not wear out easily as they are tightly bonded to the teeth. The keyword being “by a specialist.”

Just like teeth whitening the lifestyle of the patient will contribute to a longer lifespan of the veneers. Abnormal chewing habits such as biting your nails can compromise the edges of the veneers and lead to chipping. This is because the veneers derive their strength from the teeth they are attached to. So, if you are a nail biter or pen chewer you may need to resolve those habits before you look to have porcelain veneers.

Although the porcelain is a “non-living” entity within your mouth, the tooth it they are fixed to and the gums around them are living. It’s therefore also important to maintain a healthy balanced diet as frequent sugary or acidic

drinks can lead to cavities around the edges of veneers, or in the underlying tooth itself. Proper cleaning is also essential to ensure a lasting veneer and healthy living teeth and gums.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a permanent solution that provide the same look and function as natural teeth. The titanium screw that fuses to your jawbone are made to last a lifetime, but the dental crown may need replacement every 10-15 years.

The biggest factor for ensuring the lifespan of this treatment option is the skill of your dentist. It is important to consider that dental implants are carried out by a dental specialist such as a prosthodontist, periodontist or oral surgeon. Prosthodontists spend many more years developing a specialist set of skills around reconstruction and cosmetic dentistry. Dental implants are one such treatment that sits within that specialist skill set.

When it comes to the longevity of the dental implant, the quality of the implant itself is an also important variable as the treatment is considered a permanent option. This is where speaking to a specialist will be extremely beneficial as they will have a better understanding of how and where (e.g. country of manufacture) your new dental implant is made.

Get a Second Opinion

At Western Prosthodontics, we follow an ethical and honest approach to cosmetic dentistry. If we feel a particular treatment option is not right for you, we will advise you and refer you to other dental specialists we know and trust.

Many of our patients have come to us for a second opinion. If you’re wondering if you should seek a second opinion for your dental treatment, then you probably should. Most people are happy to gain a second opinion when it comes to their medical health but aren’t so sure for dental issues.

For general and specialist dentists, second opinions are part of the doctrine and professional code, so they expect some patients will want to gain more information to allow them to make an informed decision.

For more information on all our treatments for cosmetic dentistry click here. If you have any queries about mouth restorations, prosthodontics or require a second opinion, call us on (08) 9321 1632 or book an appointment.