Cosmetic dental bonding is a popular and effective way to fix minor flaws in a smile. It can address issues such as chips, cracks, stains, and gaps, and it can be done painlessly without anesthesia in minutes during a routine dental appointment. The procedure involves no recovery or alteration of existing tooth structure and leaves the patient with a natural-looking repair. If you’re considering using cosmetic dental bonding to repair your teeth, you might wonder how long you can expect the results to last. Here’s what you need to know about the lifespan of dental bonding and how to get the most out of it.
How Long Can Cosmetic Dental Bonding Last?
During a cosmetic dental bonding procedure, your dentist will use a putty-like composite resin color-matched to your teeth to fill in or cover up damage or flaws in your smile. While cosmetic dental bonding is a long-lasting solution, it is not permanent. It can be expected to last for up to seven years with proper care and hygiene, but certain bad habits can damage it or diminish its lifespan.
How Can I Make My Cosmetic Dental Bonding Last Longer?
To preserve the results of your cosmetic dental bonding procedure, you’ll need to observe a few rules. You should take care to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the bonded tooth. This means refraining from using it to bite down on hard candy or crunchy foods, not chewing on ice, fingernails, or other non-food items, and not using your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles. You can avoid stains by going easy on foods and beverages that are heavy on dyes and pigments such as tea, coffee, red wine, berries, or fruity candies. Smoking is also notorious for staining teeth and dental restorations alike.
Above all, you can make the most of your cosmetic dental bonding by practicing excellent oral hygiene and keeping up with regular dental appointments. A proper daily dental cleaning routine includes brushing twice and flossing and using antibacterial mouthwash at least once.
What Can Make My Cosmetic Dental Bonding Fail Sooner?
While your hygiene and eating habits are significant factors in how long your cosmetic dental bonding can last, some other factors are more out of your control. If your bite isn’t properly aligned, the pressure of biting and chewing can be unevenly distributed. Since the composite resin isn’t as strong as your natural enamel, this strain can cause it to wear down faster. If you grind your teeth at night, you should wear a mouthguard to protect your bond as well as the rest of your smile. Composite resin placed on the front teeth or the edge of a tooth is also more likely to fail sooner.
Cosmetic dental bonding can provide a damaged or misshapen tooth with an affordable high-quality repair. Consulting with your dentist can determine if you are a good candidate for the treatment.
About the Author
Dr. Ashley Civetti earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Dentistry at Houston, where she graduated with Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honors. She maintains active memberships with the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, the Seattle Study Club, and the Academy of General Dentistry. Her office in Royal Palm Beach, FL offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as cosmetic dental bonding. To learn more about making your bond last longer, contact her office online or dial (561) 771-5239.