How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?

Want to make some small aesthetic changes to your smile and not sure what to do? Dental bonding lynnwood may be a quick, cost-effective, and pain-free solution to some of the cosmetic issues you have with your teeth. What exactly is dental bonding and how long does the quick fix last? Below is some more detailed information on dental bonding treatment, how long the fix lasts, and what to expect from the procedure.

What Is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding treatment is a nonsurgical procedure where a material or adhesive is applied to teeth to repair chips, gaps, or discoloration. There are two common kinds of dental bonding frequently used. Direct composite bonding is when a dentist applies a tooth-colored composite material to the teeth and sculpts it to enhance the smile and match the other natural teeth. Once the composite hardens it is polished to match the natural teeth. The other type of bonding, adhesive bonding, is when material is attached to the teeth using a bonding adhesive called an etchant. The adhesive material is secured using a high intensity beam of light. Adhesive bonding is commonly used with veneers, bridges, and crowns. Veneers are generally made of porcelain and need to be molded in advance. The composite option is more affordable; however the porcelain alternate is stronger and may last longer.

Enhancing Durability

Regardless of which dental bonding treatment is used, the dental bonding material should last for up to 10 years. In general, the composite bonding will not last as long as the veneer. There are many ways to ensure the bonding lasts. The first step to make the bonding material last as long as possible is a commitment to taking care of your teeth. This commitment includes daily decisions to avoid the risk of damaging the bonding composite and to steps to maintain good oral health. It is important to remember that the bonding composite is not as strong as natural teeth. Avoiding chewing on hard foods, such as candy and ice cubes, will help avoid the bonding from chipping or cracking. Daily brushing and flossing are important to taking care of teeth.

After the Dental Bonding Treatment

After the dental bonding treatment is complete, it is easy to forget that any treatment occurred at all. A commitment to good oral health will help to make sure the new enhanced smile lasts as long as possible. It is important to avoid habits that could potentially damage the bonding, like opening packaging with teeth, chewing on pen caps, and biting your fingernails. These are all small habits that may seem insignificant, but can cause damage to the new bonding. Additionally, the bonding composite is more prone to staining than natural teeth. Things like coffee, tobacco products, and tea should be avoided, especially in the days right after the bonding treatment. In general, the tooth bonding treatment results are durable and will last, but a commitment to avoiding habits and good oral health will help the treatment results last even longer.

Interesting in learning more about dental bonding? Learn about how much dental bonding costs