If you invest in a cosmetic dentistry procedure, you may wonder how long the benefits will last. Cosmetic dentistry procedures may not always be strictly necessary from a medical perspective. These procedures can improve overall appearance, make you feel more confident, and help with teeth cleaning to prevent future problems from developing. Your Houston dentist can best advise you on how long they will last and when to on your oral hygiene, but here’s a quick guide.
Teeth Whitening
Your dentist can get your teeth back to a bright, white appearance, but this will not last forever. By consuming certain foods and drinks, you will still presumably be exposing your teeth to substances that can stain them. The worst of these are coffee and red wine. Reducing your intake of staining foods and beverages as well as regular cleaning can extend the benefits of the teeth whitening process. In order to keep your teeth white, you will need to get regular dental visits to have your teeth cleaned and checked.
Porcelain Veneers
For teeth that have a permanent unsightly appearance, perhaps due to being chipped or overly stained, porcelain veneers are a great long lasting option. Though you may think of porcelain as being fragile, porcelain veneers are made from a very strong ceramic material that can easily last 10 years or more.
Dental bonding
These are similar to veneers in which a composite resin is bonded to the tooth’s surface to cover flaws and blemishes. Durability and lifetime are similar if cared for correctly.
Teeth Straightening
When teeth are straightened there is a bone generation that occurs to fill the small gaps created when braces or trays apply the firm forces used to straighten your teeth. Over time, your teeth get effectively reset in your jaw, which is why this is a permanent change. However, teeth can still move over time. There is a possibility that your teeth can become crooked again, but only after a long time.
Dental Implants
Teeth straightening is an excellent way to align crooked teeth and to also fill in the spaces between the anterior teeth. Over a period of time, gentle forces are used to move the teeth into a better and proper alignment. Many times, the patient’s bite improves along with their smile. Many times the patient will have to wear a retainer to keep the teeth in their new position.
If you have cosmetic or any other dental needs in the Houston area, contact us today at the Medical Center Dental Group for more information about cosmetic dentistry and the many other services we offer.
