Understanding the Longevity of Cosmetic Dentistry
November 12, 2024 
Modern cosmetic dentistry treatments are designed to last, but nothing lasts forever. Even if you’re strict about maintaining good oral hygiene, veneers will eventually lose their hues, and porcelain crowns may degrade due to wear and tear. Even dental implants, which most people believe can last forever (which isn’t entirely wrong), can start failing after several decades.
On that note, how long can cosmetic dental treatments last before they need replacing? Here’s an in-depth look at the average lifespan of some standard methods of improving the look of your teeth and ways to squeeze as much life out of them as possible.
Teeth Whitening: Up to 3 Years
We’ve explained before how teeth whitening works and why one done by a professional in cosmetic dentistry in New Albany delivers more noticeable results. They use more potent whitening agents, specifically hydrogen peroxide, and in higher but controlled doses.
Their work is also reflected in the longevity of its effects. Under normal circumstances, teeth whitening done by a dental professional can remain as white as possible for two to three years. On the other hand, over-the-counter whitening kits only last for several months because the concentrations found in them are less potent. The kits are only designed for maintenance.
Note that certain factors can decrease the lifespan of the whitening effects, like eating or drinking teeth-staining food and beverages frequently. Cutting back on these is an option, but if you don’t want to, you can pick up the pace a little while eating or use a straw. Using whitening toothpaste for oral hygiene can also help restore some whiteness.
Dental Filling: 2.5 to 20 Years
Dental fillings are warranted for tooth damage that doesn’t need extraction or replacement with artificial teeth (e.g., dental implants, implant-supported bridges). While primarily used to fill cavities, they can also benefit teeth with minor chipping and cracks.
The lifespan of dental fillings depends on the type used, as each varies in durability.
| Filling Material | Description | Approximate Lifespan |
| Glass ionomer cement | Mainly used as temporary fillings, this type lacks the longevity of other fillings but isn’t too demanding about setting the ideal conditions. | 2.5 to 5 years |
| Composite resin | A solution of resin and glass filler, this type is among the most popular fillings due to its cost-effectiveness and natural shade. | 5 to 7 years |
| Silver amalgam | This metal-based dental filling inherits the durability of the composition metals, making it one of the longer-lasting fillings available. | 10 to 15 years |
| Porcelain | Highly durable and resistant to staining, this dental filling is cost-effective for sealing more sizeable cavities and other forms of damage. | 15 years* |
| Gold | Arguably the priciest option currently available, this filling consists of gold and other metals that give it its long-lasting properties. | 20 years or longer |
*Most cosmetic dentists recommend replacement every 5 to 10 years.
Poor habits like grinding teeth can chip the fillings away, reducing their lifespan and, more importantly, their effectiveness in keeping infections at bay.
Dental Veneers: 5 to 20 Years
Dental veneers are thin shells placed on the front of permanent teeth to conceal visible damage and improve their overall appearance. They’re a more affordable option than crowns, which cover the entire tooth (more on this in a while), although they don’t last as long.
Like dental fillings, the lifespan of veneers depends on the material. Composite veneers are the more affordable option, but they can only last between five and seven years before they become painful to wear. Meanwhile, the tougher but costlier porcelain veneers can last between 10 and 15 years.
Dental Crowns: 5 to 30 Years
The crowning glory of dental crowns, pun definitely intended, is their all-around protection. Unlike composite or porcelain veneers, crowns envelop the entire natural tooth structure in a nice fit to protect damaged teeth from infections and pain brought by hypersensitivity and other dental problems. Because of this, you can expect crowns to be built to last years, if not decades, though it still depends on the material.
| Crown Material | Description | Approximate Lifespan |
| Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) | Widely considered the “gold standard” of dental crowns, this type of crown features a porcelain shell built on a metal alloy frame. | 5 to 15 years |
| Lithium disilicate | Highly recommended by dental labs, this crown is well-known for its strength and the ability to adjust its translucency or shade. | 5 to 15 years |
| Zirconia | Crafted from a material as durable as titanium, this non-metallic crown is ideal for people with substantial bite force. | 10 to 15 years |
| Yellow gold | Similar to gold veneers, this crown is constructed using a gold-based alloy, which gives it enough strength to last several decades. | 10 to 30 years |
Dental Implants: Over 20 Years (root), 10 to 15 Years (crown)
When it comes to dental implants, the titanium alloy root is rarely replaced due to wear and tear over time. Titanium itself is known for being biocompatible or the ability to bond with organic tissue with minimal complications, if any. As such, it isn’t unusual to learn that most roots are still going strong beyond their average lifespan of 20 years, provided proper dental care.
However, the crowns installed on them don’t last as long.
Conclusion
Good cosmetic dentistry treatments don’t need to last forever. A combination of well-executed cosmetic dental procedures and proper dental care ensures they’ll last a long time or maybe even a lifetime, depending on your age. Take heart knowing that you have plenty of options to achieve a beautiful smile that you can be proud of.
