Does teeth whitening last forever?
Unfortunately, no. However, you can make sure that it lasts longer by keeping a few habits in mind. For starters, try to avoid richly-pigmented foods and beverages immediately following your whitening. This can dramatically affect the length of time your smile stays multiple shades whiter as well as your current at-home oral care. Depending on these factors, your white smile can last anywhere between six months and two years. This remains substantially longer than what you’ll find in over-the-counter whitening products.
Are porcelain veneers permanent?
Yes and no. While porcelain veneers are very thin, they do require a very small amount of tooth enamel to be removed before they can be placed. This is done to ensure the veneers sit flush against teeth and do not look oversized or unnatural. As a result, porcelain veneers are irreversible because removal of enamel is permanent. With that said, the veneers themselves will not last forever. The good news is they do last for a very long time, typically between 10 and 15 years when properly taken care of.
Are metal-free restorations as durable as gold and silver ones?
Thanks to advancements in dental materials, metal-free restorations made from porcelain have proven to be close to or as durable as gold and silver crowns, all without having to make sacrifices to your appearance. With that said, their longevity is largely dependent on your dedication to at-home care and maintaining routine checkups and cleanings. Furthermore, chewing very hard foods or inedible objects can accelerate the wear and tear of your restoration, so don’t treat it any differently than you would a natural tooth.
When should I consider dental bonding?
Dental bonding is an incredibly versatile cosmetic treatment because it can be used in a variety of situations. For example, you can hide both discoloration and chips and cracks with a single treatment. In most cases, dental bonding also takes just one appointment to complete and lasts up to 10 years. It’s also one of the more affordable cosmetic solutions available at our office.
Why are you offering Botox® in a dental office?
One of the reasons we offer Botox as part of our cosmetic treatments is because we care about maintaining your entire facial appearance, not just your smile. While your teeth play a large role in your looks, we want to make it easy for patients to make My Frederick Dentist their home for all their cosmetic needs, including the removal of unsightly wrinkles or facial lines.
Are There Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures That Are Suitable for Children or Teenagers?
There are a variety of reasons why children and teenagers may want to enhance the appearance of their smiles. Depending on their age and the development stage of their teeth, some cosmetic procedures may be ideal for specific issues. For instance, if a teen experiences a sports injury that fractures their tooth, dental bonding, a veneer, or a crown could be ideal for restoring its appearance. For small gaps or spaces, dental bonding may be a good option. If your child or teen has concerns regarding the appearance of their smile, this is definitely something to bring up during their next visit.
What Causes the Discoloration of a Tooth?
Tooth discoloration can be caused by many different factors. Some foods and beverages contain pigments that can stain the outer surface of the teeth. This includes red sauces, wine, tea, and coffee. Smoking is another way that teeth can develop a more yellowed appearance. As you get older, the teeth become more brittle and enamel wears away, making the yellow dentin in the center of the tooth more visible. You can even get stained teeth from taking certain antibiotics as a child. For some stains, teeth whitening can help to brighten the appearance of the teeth. For more intrinsic discoloration, other options, like veneers, may be a better option.
What Exactly Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
When you think about the dental office, you probably think of cleanings and checkups or restorative treatments, like dental fillings or crowns. While these treatments are very important to keep your smile healthy, dentists also care about how you feel about your teeth. The focus of cosmetic dentistry is improving the appearance of a patient’s smile. This can help patients feel more confident in their day-to-day lives. Cosmetic dental treatments may be a good option for you if you have teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored, misshapped, or misaligned. By working to improve your smile aesthetically, you can show it off with confidence!
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Expensive?
A lot of the time, cosmetic dentistry is associated with expensive treatments, but this isn’t always the case. This pricy reputation probably has to do with the fact that most cosmetic procedures are not covered by dental insurance, so patients often need to pay out of pocket. Improving the appearance of your smile may seem expensive initially, but it’s important to consider the investment you are making in your self-esteem and confidence.
