Our smile is the first thing people notice about us when we meet. It’s the first thing that greets us in the morning when we catch a glimpse of ourselves in the mirror. If you don’t like what you see when you smile, you have options. Dental bonding is an affordable and easy way to fix minor dental imperfections, but how long does dental bonding last?
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is a type of cosmetic dentistry that fixes minor flaws in teeth. Most commonly, dentists opt for dental bonding to correct the following imperfections:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Gapped teeth(small gaps only)
- Irregularly shaped teeth (i.e. to correct size, shape, or length)
- Receding gums
- Discolored teeth
- Cavity(used in place of metal fillings)
The procedure for dental bonding is simple and takes less than an hour to complete. Your dentist prepares the tooth by lightly scuffing its surface. They then apply tooth-colored composite resin to the affected tooth, shaping it to fill the gap, even out the teeth, or otherwise fix the imperfection. Your dentist shapes and polishes the material to fit. Finally, they use a special light to help set and harden the composite resin.
Dental bonding is a great choice for those looking for cosmetic dentistry that does not require anesthesia. Another advantage to this type of fix is that the natural tooth is preserved underneath the composite resin.
Finally, dental bonding is the most affordable way to brighten your smile. It may even be covered with dental insurance if the repairs are also related to a tooth’s structure.
How long does dental bonding last typically?
Dental bonding is a temporary fix in that the natural tooth is usually not removed or otherwise changed substantially. Even as a temporary solution, tooth bonding to fix cracks, chips, gaps, and cavities can last anywhere from three to ten years.
Problems that affect how long dental bonding lasts mostly come down to the material that is used. Composite resin is not as strong as other materials. This means that it can crack, chip, or break if enough force is applied. For this reason, the most successful (and longest-lasting) dental bonding is applied where there is less force (e.g., on the front teeth).
Another problem that can affect longevity is staining. Composite resin does resist stains well, but not as well as porcelain or ceramic, two materials that are also used in cosmetic procedures.
How can I help my tooth bonding procedure last longer?
The longevity of your dental bonding has a lot to do with how you care for your teeth after the procedure. There are some ways to help increase the life of your teeth bonding.
1. Avoid sticky foods
Sticky foods like chewy candies, gum, and anything else that adheres to your teeth can actually pull the composite resin off your tooth.
Avoiding sticky foods, especially in the areas of the dental bonding, can help prevent this from happening.
2. Avoid foods that can crack enamel
We’ve all bitten down on a popcorn kernel or hard pretzel and felt that jarring feeling all the way up through our teeth. These types of hard foods are enamel-cracking nightmares.
It’s a good rule of thumb to avoid or limit overly hard foods even without dental bonding. Of the dental bonding pros and cons, if you lose a composite resin filling, this one con might find you at your emergency dentist over the weekend.
3. Avoid food and drinks that stain
In the first 48 hours of a dental bonding procedure, the composite resin is highly susceptible to stains.
Avoid coffee, tea, soda, berries, and other strongly colored foods for the first 48 hours if possible. If you cannot live without caffeine, use a straw to drink your morning joe.
4. Practice proper dental hygiene
As with any type of dental work, practicing good dental hygiene prevents staining and protects your overall oral health. Brush properly twice a day, floss once, and rinse daily with a non-alcoholic mouthwash.
If you drink or eat foods that stain and cannot brush your teeth, swish water around to remove as much as you can.
5. Dump your bad habits
Biting fingernails and chewing on pens or other objects put your dental bonding at risk of cracking, chipping, and breaking.
Keep your hands and other non-food items away from your teeth!
What other long-term options do I have instead of bonding?
Dental bonding may be the best fix for minor imperfections, but it is not the only option in cosmetic dentistry.
Veneers
Dental veneers are often the next option for cosmetic fixes to teeth.
Veneers can be made of porcelain or ceramic, two materials that are more durable than composite resin. Other than materials, one major difference between veneers and dental bonding is that more of the tooth is removed to place a veneer, making veneers a more permanent treatment.
Additionally, veneers work to close larger gaps in teeth or to fix teeth with larger cracks or chips.
Crowns
Of all of the options to treat existing teeth, dental crowns remove the most tooth material. This means that the tooth must always be covered with something going forward.
Crowns are used as a cosmetic fix but also when much of the tooth is destroyed by decay. Your dentist will remove most of the tooth material and fit you with a temporary crown while they make the permanent crown (usually of ceramic or porcelain, but sometimes of gold).
The permanent crown is color-matched to your teeth and held in place by dental cement. If properly cared for, crowns can last a lifetime.
Implants
In cases where a tooth is completely missing, dental implants are also an option. These are inserted into the bone of the jaw and function like natural teeth.
AZ Dentist is a Phoenix area cosmetic dentist that can help you understand all of your options when it comes to tooth bonding. Call us today for more information!
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