Temporary vs. Permanent Cosmetic Dentistry Solutions
Posted on 07/15/2025
West Gate Dental isn't just a go-to option for a family dentist in Lincoln, NE. We also create beautiful smiles with cosmetic dental procedures. That might be why we appear among the top search results for 'best dentist in Lincoln, NE.' That said, we offer both permanent and temporary cosmetic procedures, and we'd like to take a minute to explain how long our treatments last.
Straightening Is Mainly Permanent
Though it depends on the treatment, straightening techniques are mainly permanent. For instance, if you receive braces or clear aligners, these options reposition your teeth to correct crookedness and spacing issues. While your teeth may shift over time for various reasons — sometimes returning to their original positions due to periodontal ligament memory — you'll wear a retainer after treatment to prevent them from moving.
If you receive dental bonding to correct alignment issues, it's only temporary, usually lasting three to 10 years.
Dental crowns are also useful for correcting your smile, but they only last around 10 years. Once they become stained or damaged, you'll need to have new crowns positioned.
Avoid biting ice or chewing pencils to extend the lifespan of dental crowns. You also want to avoid drinking beverages that stain your teeth, like tea, unless you use a straw. If you grind your teeth at night, you should get a nightguard to protect your crowns from excessive pressure.
Whitening Is a Temporary Solution
If you opt for whitening, you'll need maintenance treatments, typically every six to 12 months, to maintain long-term results. You'll also need to refrain from foods and beverages, such as wine, grape juice, coffee, and soy sauce, that'll stain your teeth once again. We advise all patients who visit for teeth whitening to avoid smoking or chewing tobacco because the tar will cause yellow staining on their newly whitened smile.
Dental Implants Are Permanent
Dental implants can replace missing or severely damaged teeth to improve the appearance of your smile. The implant itself is permanent, but you may need to replace the crown.
Veneers Are Temporary
Though veneers' lifespan depends on the type, you can expect them to last five to 10 years on average, especially when you have the best dentist in Lincoln, NE, place them.
If you grind your teeth or use them to open packages or bite hard foods, you can damage them prematurely.
Even though porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant, they can become discolored, and alternative options tend to stain more easily. Therefore, you may need to replace them even sooner if you want them to remain bright.
You may be used to coming to West Gate Dental to see our family dentist in Lincoln, NE, for routine cleanings, which help to keep your teeth white. However, we also offer several temporary and permanent cosmetic dentistry solutions for whitening, spacing problems, and more.
Contact us to schedule a cosmetic dental treatment at West Gate Dental, serving Lincoln, NE, by calling 402-475-8710 today. We'll help you love your smile by finding a treatment that meets your needs, budget, and desires.