Is a Smile Makeover Permanent?

A smile makeover can be a transformative experience, boosting your confidence and enhancing your overall appearance. At ENVY Dental, Implants & Esthetics, we often get asked whether the results of a smile makeover are permanent. Let's go over some of the factors that influence how long a smile makeover will last and how you can maintain your new smile for years to come.

Understanding Smile Makeovers

A smile makeover is a tailored treatment plan designed to improve the aesthetics of your smile as well as improving your oral health. It may include a variety of procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, and more. The goal is to address issues like discoloration, misalignment, gaps, and missing teeth, giving you the smile of your dreams.

Factors Influencing Longevity

The permanence of a smile makeover depends on several factors:

1. Type of Procedure

Different procedures have different longevity: 

• Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening can last from six months to three years, depending on your oral hygiene habits and dietary choices.
• Veneers: Porcelain veneers are highly durable, often lasting 10-15 years with proper care. And last a life-time with the necessary maintenance. 
• Dental Implants: Implants are designed to be a permanent solution for missing teeth, often lasting a lifetime with good oral hygiene.

2. Oral Hygiene

Maintaining a good oral hygiene is crucial for the longevity of your smile makeover and for your health overall. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups will help prevent issues like decay and gum disease that can affect the results of your makeover.

3. Lifestyle Choices

Your lifestyle choices play a significant role in the durability of your smile makeover. Avoiding tobacco, limiting consumption of staining foods and beverages (like coffee, red wine, and soda), and wearing a mouthguard if you grind your teeth can all help preserve your new smile.

4. Follow-Up Care

At ENVY Dental, we will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress and address any concerns. These visits are essential to ensure that your smile makeover continues to look and feel great. In any situation where you feel that something might be wrong with your smile makeover, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible.

How to Maintain Your Smile Makeover

Here are some tips to help maintain the results of your smile makeover:

1. Regular Dental Visits: Schedule routine check-ups and cleanings with us to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
2. Proper Oral Care: Brush teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and consider using an antiseptic mouthwash.
3. Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products to support oral health.
4. Avoid Staining Agents: Reduce your intake of foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, and consider using a straw to minimize contact with your teeth. Remember to give your mouth a quick rinse after eating/drinking staining agents is you don't have access to brush your teeth. 
5. Protective Measures: Wear a mouthguard during sports activities that might damage your teeth and if you grind your teeth at night.

Conclusion

While the results of a smile makeover can be long-lasting, how long it lasts really depends on your commitment to maintaining good oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle choices. At ENVY Dental, Implants & Esthetics, we're here to help you achieve and maintain a beautiful smile. Contact Dr. Vessali at our Wichita, KS office to discuss your smile makeover options and start your journey towards a radiant smile today.