Cosmetic dental work can do a lot. It can brighten your smile, fix chips or cracks, close gaps, and straighten crooked teeth. But before you spend the money and time, it's fair to ask how long those improvements will last.

The short answer: it depends on the procedure and how well you care for your teeth afterward. Here's a closer look at the lifespan of common cosmetic treatments and what you can do to make them last.

Teeth whitening

Whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments. It’s also one of the shortest-lasting.

Professional whitening usually lasts between 6 months and 2 years. Results fade faster if you drink coffee, tea, red wine, or smoke. Over-the-counter products like whitening strips can help, but they usually don’t last as long as in-office treatments.

Touch-ups every few months can help keep your smile bright. Just make sure not to overdo it. According to the American Dental Association, excessive whitening can wear down enamel or cause sensitivity.

Dental bonding

Bonding is great for fixing small chips, cracks, or gaps. It involves applying a tooth-colored resin to reshape a tooth. It’s quick, painless, and affordable—but it doesn’t last forever.

Dental bonding usually lasts 3 to 10 years. Its lifespan depends on your habits. Chewing on pens or ice, biting nails, or grinding your teeth can wear it down faster.

To keep bonded teeth in good shape, avoid hard snacks like popcorn kernels and use a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night.

Veneers

Veneers are thin porcelain or composite shells placed on the front of your teeth. They can change the shape, size, and color of teeth and give you a long-lasting new look.

Porcelain veneers usually last 10 to 15 years, sometimes longer. Composite veneers are cheaper but tend to last only 5 to 7 years. Once a veneer is placed, it can’t be reversed because part of your tooth enamel is removed during the process.

To make veneers last, brush and floss daily, avoid hard or sticky foods, and don’t use your teeth to open things (yes, that includes bottle caps).

Clear aligners and braces

Straightening your teeth is a long-term investment. Braces or clear aligners like Invisalign can move teeth into better positions. Once treatment ends, your new smile can last a lifetime—but only if you wear your retainer.

After braces or aligners, most people need to wear a retainer at night to prevent teeth from shifting back. Without it, you could lose progress within a few months.

So yes, your straight smile can last forever, but only if you stick with the follow-up routine. Think of the retainer as a gym membership for your teeth. If you stop using it, things can slowly go back to how they were.

Dental crowns

A crown is a cap that covers a damaged or weak tooth. It protects the tooth and improves how it looks. Crowns are often used when a tooth has a large filling or after a root canal.

Most dental crowns last between 10 and 15 years. Some can last 20 years or longer with good care. Porcelain or ceramic crowns tend to wear down faster than metal ones but are more natural-looking.

Flossing around the crown is especially important. The tooth underneath can still get cavities, especially at the gum line.

Gum contouring

Gum contouring reshapes your gumline. Some people do it for cosmetic reasons, like fixing a “gummy” smile. Others need it for medical reasons, such as treating gum disease.

The results are permanent because gum tissue usually doesn’t grow back. But if you don’t take care of your gums, issues like inflammation or infection can affect the results.

To keep gums healthy, brush gently, floss daily, and don’t skip your cleanings. Your gums will thank you, and so will your dentist.

What helps everything last longer

No matter what kind of cosmetic work you get, a few habits will help keep your smile in good shape:

• Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush

• Floss once a day

• Visit your dentist for cleanings every 6 months

• Avoid chewing on hard objects like pens or ice

• Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth

• Skip smoking and limit stain-causing drinks

One small joke? Your teeth are like a car. Cosmetic upgrades look great—but if you never change the oil, it won’t stay that way for long.

If you're not afraid of a little maintenance, take our quiz to be matched with a dental aestheticist that's right for you based on what you need.

Sources

Read more about this in the links below.

• American Dental Association: https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/tooth-whitening

• Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-bonding/about/pac-20384634

• Cleveland Clinic: https://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11095-dental-veneers

• National Institutes of Health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10134595/

• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health/dental-crowns

• Harvard Health Publishing: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/laser-gum-contouring-2020101421181