That's certainly not what the test button does on the detectors we have here. When pushing the button, there's a short, noticeable delay, before the alarm is activated. That's because it really is testing the sensor, not just the (duh) battery and beeper.

These things are hazardous radioactive waste, and should not be disposed of on a whim before their useful lifespan is up. Doing so would be just like changing one's automobile oil every 2000miles (as huge numbers of wasteful people do), instead of every 5000-8000miles as recommended by the manufacturer.

In the case of smoke detectors, and lots of other "consumer goods", the maker has a vested interest in getting us to buy more, and more often, than needed. And thanks to the USA they're also far too paranoid about getting sued over defective units which expire earlier than usual. Thus the recommendations to be more wasteful than necessary.

Cheers