[/su_lightbox]
SANTA CRUZ, SCOTTS VALLEY CA
When you invest in your smile, it only makes sense that you’d want to know how long that investment will last. While the answer to that depends on several factors — including how well you care for your investment at home — our Scotts Valley dentists share on the blog today the longevity you can expect from certain common procedures.
Teeth Whitening
One of the most common cosmetic treatments is teeth whitening and for good reason! With one in-office visit or a take-home kit, people enjoy drastic improvements in the whiteness and brightness of their smiles! Depending on your food and beverage choices and oral health habits, professional teeth whitening should last six months to one year.
Porcelain veneers
Veneers are thin, porcelain “shells” that dentists bond to flawed teeth, covering discolored, cracked, chipped and gapped teeth. The veneers are expected to last 10 years, but the longevity may be shortened due to bruxism (the unconscious grinding or clenching of teeth, usually during sleep), any potential tooth trauma that may occur and poor oral hygiene practices.
Direct bonding
An alternative to porcelain veneers is direct bonding. This is when, in just one visit, a dentist can use a composite resin that matches the color of, and can be sculpted to look like, neighboring teeth. The life expectancy of direct bonding is 10 years, but it usually lasts longer than porcelain veneers.
Invisalign
Invisalign in many cases has replaced traditional metal braces to straighten teeth using discreet, clear, plastic aligner trays. The trays must be worn 22 hours out of 24 hours in a day, and they are switched out every two weeks for a smaller tray. This gently pulls the teeth into their proper position in a fraction of the time it takes braces — in many cases under a year! After finishing treatment, your dentist will provide you with a retainer to wear to keep your teeth straight. Following the aftercare instructions from your dentist will keep your smile straight for a lifetime!
COSMETIC DENTIST IN LOS GATOS, SCOTTS VALLEY, AND SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
Whether you’ve never been happy with your smile or you just want it to be rejuvenated, our cosmetic dentists at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry offer it all! We use cutting-edge technology in providing our patients with the best, most up-to-date techniques in cosmetic services. To schedule a consultation, call us at (831) 824-5111 or reach out to us online today!
