You’re not alone if you’re considering cosmetic dental services to boost your confidence. Every year, Americans are estimated to spend between $2.75 billion and $4.2 billion annually on aesthetic procedures intended to enhance their appearances.
But if you’re investing time and personal resources into upgrading your grin, it’s only natural to wonder how long it takes and whether the results last long enough to be worth the price. Continue reading to learn more about the potential longevity of these 3 popular treatments to help you choose the right services to meet your unique needs!
Option #1: Teeth Whitening
Many dentists offer different types of teeth whitening, each with their own standard timeframes. For instance, in-office services can potentially brighten your enamel by several shades in a single hour-long visit. Meanwhile, patients who opt for professional-grade take-home kits with ultra-concentrated bleaching gels and custom-fitted applicator trays often see the desired changes within 2 weeks of using the products as directed.
Then, you can usually enjoy the results for anywhere from 6 months to 3 years, though you may require periodic retreatment to maintain the perfect hue. You can also help prevent further discoloration by brushing and flossing twice daily, avoiding common stainers such as coffee, tea, berries, wine, and tomatoes, and visiting your provider every 6 months for a routine checkup and cleaning.
Option #2: Veneers
Getting veneers usually requires at least two appointments over a couple of weeks. At your initial visit, your provider will confirm that you’re a good candidate and then slightly thin your enamel so the restorations fit properly. Next, they’ll make impressions of your mouth and send the information to a dental laboratory to design the shells.
Once they’re delivered, your dentist will schedule a second visit to ensure they look, feel, and function as they should before cementing them over the fronts of your teeth. These resilient ceramic covers can last 15+ years if cared for correctly, which typically requires maintaining your at-home oral hygiene routine, avoiding overly hard, dark, and sticky foods, and seeing your provider twice annually for routine visits.
Option #3: Clear Aligners
If you’re feeling self-conscious about crooked, overcrowded, or gapped teeth, you might benefit from clear aligners. Not only are these transparent plastic trays considered a more comfortable and discreet alternative to traditional braces, but they also often work faster, too.
For instance, many patients complete this service between 12 and 18 months, compared to the 24+ month average for standard orthodontics. Then, the results can last the remainder of your life, though you may be required to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from reverting to their starting places.
If you hope to achieve specific outcomes for an upcoming event or momentous occasion, be sure to let your provider know during your cosmetic consultation so they can create a customized treatment plan to help you reach your goals in time!
Meet the Author
Dr. Toufeek Dabah enjoys taking the time to get to know patients so he can provide customized services to help improve their smiles. He earned his dental degree from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, and today, is a member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Dental Association. He offers a comprehensive menu of services, including cosmetic treatments, using state-of-the-art technology to deliver accurate results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (847) 882-8387.3