How long will cosmetic work last?

Mary28

My teeth do not look the best - a front crown is not the same colour as other teeth, millions of fillings, discolouration and not exactly straight. I hate my smile but my dentist advised me not to get anything cosmetic done to my teeth unless absolutley necessary. He says I'll spend a fortune on them now and will have to fork out again in 10-15 yrs to get it all done again as the cosmetic work will not last.
This was advice I got a few yrs ago but I'd still like to get it done. It's not money I have to spare really and I hate the thoughts of them falling apart in 10yrs and not having the money then to fix them again.
Would the experts here agree with this advice or has cosmetic dentistry advanced such that porceline veneers/crowns, conturing etc is now as good as permanent?

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Your dentist is correct on average a crown, veneer bridge will last about 10-15 years. However its not like they all explode after that time. If they have been done well (I cannot state this enough as the biggest variable) with lots of time, effort and attention to detail, and if you keep them really clean there is no reason they wont last longer. Also the will fail gradually usually one at a time. I have seen crowns that are 40 years old.

There is very little else in this world you can buy that will last 15 years. While materials have advanced a great deal there is still nothing as durable as real teeth, and even they break down if not looked after or due to accidents (as your own teeth will testify).

A teacher of mine used to say its a bit like asking why cut your hair when it will just grow back, or why make your bed in the morning

Mary28

Thanks fitzgeme. I'm half wanting to be convinced not to do it but it's something I've wanted to get done for ages. Cost will determine if I'll get it done or not, not where I get it done, I won't be taking any chances.
Really sorry but I don't really follow your teacher's advice in this context - do you mean why get your teeth fixed if they're just going to get bad/brokent etc again?

btkm8unsl0w5r4

The analogy is that you do things to improve your health and appearance despite of the knowledge that they will have to be done again. 15 years is a long time. Everything has a finite lifespan including the filling you already have, dont let that put you off, If you want nicer teeth go get them.

Cost is certainly one factor and if you cannot get it done correctly dont bother because you will end up in a worse state that at the start.Your own dentist can advise or refer you to somebody that specialises in this kind of work. High quality cosmetic work cannot be done in one or two weeks it take planning, time and patience.

Best of luck

Bendy85

I am wanting to get some cosmetic work done on my teeth like crowns Is there anyone who can advise me where to go?

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Bendy85 wrote: »

I am wanting to get some cosmetic work done on my teeth like crowns Is there anyone who can advise me where to go?

Good cosmetic work take time, and maintenance, best done close to home. Do lots of research, cost is a factor but its actually not the most important one in the long run.

Start here for work done out foreign;)
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056058173&page=2
and here
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056182108