How Long Can a Dental Restoration Last?

The term dental restoration refers to different procedures that enhance the appearance of teeth, including dental crowns, composite bonding, veneers, dentures, and implants. These restorations serve a specific purpose and some can even correct multiple issues at once. Patients often want to know how long they can expect their new dental restoration can last. Read on to learn more about the durability of various dental restorations.

The lifespan of a dental restoration

A dental restoration is as durable as the material used and the patient’s oral health habits. To get maximum years from the new smile, oral hygiene is important (brushing, flossing), so are visiting the dentist for a checkup and avoiding harmful oral habits like biting on hard substances. The following are some common dental restorations and their expected lifespans.

Dental bonding

Often known as composite bonding, this is one of the most cost-effective dental restorations. It may be used to treat stains, discoloration, cavities, deformities, and small chips in the teeth. The dentist would use an etching solution to roughen up the surface of the affected tooth during the procedure. This is required to maintain a strong bond between the composite and the patient’s teeth.

After that, a putty-like resin is added to the patient’s teeth. It is shaped into the desired form and then exposed to ultraviolet light to harden it. With proper oral hygiene, dental bonding will survive up to five years or more. When the composite starts to disintegrate, the dentist may suggest having a repair treatment.

Veneers

Veneers are tooth-shaped shells that cover the visible portion of a tooth. When mounted, they are incredibly thin and have the appearance of natural teeth. Zirconia, composites, porcelain, and ceramic are all material options for veneers. Porcelain or ceramic veneers are highly stain-resistant, but they are not as long-lasting compared to zirconia veneers. Veneers will live up to 15 years if properly cared for.

Dental crowns

Dentists most often use crowns as a dental restoration. The crown protects the tooth from further injury, stabilizes it, and restores its function and appearance. Crowns are versatile and can be used to treat many dental problems, including stained teeth, damaged teeth, discolored teeth, and decayed teeth. Other prosthetics, such as implants and bridges, are often used together with them.

To make space for the prosthetic, the dentist will remove some of the tooth’s structure during crown placement. This is necessary to ensure a good fit. With proper oral hygiene, a crown can last up to 25 years after it is in place. Some crown materials are designed to last a lifetime.

Dental Implants

One of the most common ways to restore missing teeth is with implants. A dental implant is a titanium metal post that is implanted into the jawbone. For osseointegration to occur, it needs to stay in place for six to seven months. A crown is mounted on the abutment of the implant after it has fused with the patient’s jawbone.

Implants resemble natural teeth in appearance, function, and feel, and with proper oral hygiene, they can last a lifetime.

In conclusion

If you are considering a dental restoration, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.

Request an appointment here: https://totalcareimplantdentistry.com or call Total Care Dentistry & Implants at (760) 394-3088 for an appointment in our Palm Desert office.

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