How Long Should You Expect Dental Bonding to Last?
What Is Dental Bonding?
It is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin material to a tooth’s surface pro repair and improve its appearance. The composite resin material is a blend of plastic and glass materials that can be molded and shaped to match the natural teeth’ colors and contours. Dentists typically use composite bonding as a cosmetic approach to improve imperfections, including chipped or cracked teeth, close gaps between teeth, and improve the appearance of discolored teeth.
What Does the Procedure Entail?
Dental bonding near you is a relatively painless and quick procedure that can be completed in one dental visit. It typically involves the following steps:
- Preparation: A dentist near you will begin by cleaning and roughening the tooth with a dental etching solution. This conditioning liquid will help the bonding material adhere more securely to the tooth.
- Application of the bonding material: After preparation, the dentist in Paoli, PA, applies the composite resin to the tooth surface, creatively molding it to the desired shape.
- Curing: Once the bonding material is set, the dentist will apply a special light to harden and bond it to the tooth surface.
- Shaping and polishing: The final step of the procedure entails shaping and polishing the material to match the natural contours, glare, and general appearance of your teeth.
What Happens After Dental Bonding?
At Dentist of Paoli, we emphasize optimal dental care after dental bonding. How well you care for your teeth can determine the success and longevity of your treatment. Some crucial post-procedure instructions your dentist will recommend after treatment are:
- Avoid eating or drinking for a few hours after the procedure – it allows the composite resin to harden fully.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods for the first few days after the procedure – they can pressure the bonded tooth and cause it to chip or come loose.
- Practice good oral hygiene – do not skip teeth brushing and flossing to prevent decay or gum disease from weakening the bonding material.
- Avoid teeth grinding or clenching – if you grind or clench teeth when you sleep, wear a night guard to protect the bonded teeth from wear and tear.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups – your dentist will want to check the condition of the bonded teeth. Besides, routine dental visits allow your dentist to clean your mouth to disallow plaque and tartar buildup that may deteriorate your composites.
- Mind your habits – the dentist will strongly advocate for this part of the instructions. Some oral habits you must abandon after a dental bonding procedure are:
- Smoking and all other tobacco products – stain teeth.
- Fingernail biting
- Opening cans and lids with teeth
- Grinding and clenching teeth at night or during the day
Will the Bonded Teeth Last Long?
Generally, dental bonding can last from 3 to 10 years. However, the lifespan of dental bonding can vary depending on several factors, such as:
- Location of the tooth: Teeth subjected to more biting or chewing forces are likelier to experience wear and tear than the rest.
- Amount of bonding material: A thicker layer protects the underlying tooth structure and can last longer than a thinner layer.
- Oral hygiene: Good practices can prevent decay or gum disease that can weaken the bonding material.
- Dietary choices and Oral habits: Certain foods such as hard candies or ice and oral habits like biting fingernails cause the bonding material to chip or crack.
Even then, understand that dental bonding is less durable than other restorative materials like porcelain veneers or dental crowns. Therefore, no matter how well you care for your bonded teeth, you may need repair or replacement after a few years.
If unsatisfied with such an outcome, communicate your desires to your dentist. You may identify a different cosmetic procedure that best suits your needs.
Summary
Composite bonding is one of the quickest, safest, non-invasive procedures for repairing and restoring teeth. It offers immediate results with little hassle while addressing various problems like spacing, shape, color, and general appearance of teeth.