If you want to improve the appearance of your smile or if you have a damaged tooth (or teeth), tooth bonding may be a good option for you. What problems may this method help to solve? How long does tooth bonding last?
We’ll guide you through the advantages and disadvantages of tooth bonding and how to maintain your bonded teeth looking beautiful for as long as possible.
What Exactly Is Tooth Bonding?
Bonding is a process in which your dentist adds volume to your teeth to change or supplement their shape, size, or look. They’ll apply a putty-like resin that binds to your teeth before hardening, thus the name of the technique. Because the material is usually tooth-colored, it will match or improve the appearance of your teeth.
Your dental expert may numb the affected place before applying the bonding material to guarantee your comfort throughout the process. Next, they’ll smooth the tooth with a drill and add a conditioning fluid to make sure the bonding agent has a good surface to stick to. They will solidify the bonding after applying the resin by shining a special light on the tooth. Finally, it will be shaped to fit your bite and teeth.
Why Is Teeth Bonding Done?
Bonding your teeth is an option worth considering
- To repair decayed teeth
- To repair broken or chipped teeth
- To make discolored teeth seem better
- To fill gaps between teeth
- To make teeth look longer
- To alter the appearance of one’s teeth
- To protect a part of the tooth’s root that has become exposed when the gums recede
How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?
The short answer to “how long does dental bonding last?” is ten years. However, the length of time depends on where the bonding takes place in your mouth. This decade of wear requires that you take proper care of your teeth.
Brushing and flossing should be done regularly as part of a good oral hygiene routine. You should also see your dentist twice a year for professional cleanings and other preventive treatments. Tooth bonding should last as long as you take care of it and maintain good oral hygiene. However, there is always more you can do for your teeth.
One such method is to be conscious of your diet. We’ve all heard that sugary foods and drinks can cause cavities. Acidic foods and drinks, on the other hand, can damage and discolor teeth. Not just coffee and tea, but also spicy foods can damage your teeth. Moreover, while a diet rich in fruits and nuts is highly nutritious, your teeth require special attention when these foods are included in your diet.
Keep an eye on the nuts you’re eating and pay attention to how you’re chewing. After you’ve finished eating the fruit, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash, just like you would with sugary or acidic drinks. Leave no time for plaque to grow and immediately remove any potentially staining material.
Avoid hard candies, popcorn kernels, ice cubes, and other hard items if you want your bonding to last up to 10 years. Simply biting too hard or improperly might chip or fracture your bonding material. Grinding your teeth wears down the bonded surfaces or fillings as well.
Does Tooth Bonding Hurt?
This procedure is typically painless because the area of the tooth being worked on has very little sensitivity. This means that no anesthesia is needed, making the procedure safer than some others. As a result, there is also no recovery time. Patients are usually recommended to avoid smoking, drinking tea, coffee, or red wine for 48 hours after the treatment, and any other foods or beverages that may stain the teeth.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Teeth Bonding
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Teeth Bonding Advantages
Teeth bonding is one of the simplest and least expensive cosmetic dental treatments. Unlike veneers and crowns, which are customized tooth coverings that must be manufactured in a lab, tooth bonding may usually be completed in just one office visit unless there are several teeth involved. Another benefit, as compared to veneers and crowns, is that less tooth enamel is removed. Moreover, unless dental bonding is being performed to fill a cavity, anesthesia is usually not necessary.
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Teeth Bonding Disadvantages
Dental bonding does not have the stain resistance of crowns. Bonding materials are not as long-lasting or as strong as crowns, veneers, or fillings. Bonding materials can sometimes chip and break away from the tooth.
Because of some of the limitations of tooth bonding, some dentists believe it is best suited for:
- Minor cosmetic changes
- Short-term cosmetic repair
- Fixing teeth in areas with extremely low bite pressure (front teeth, for example)
Consult your dentist to find the best cosmetic option for you.
Teeth Bonding Vs. Veneers
Veneers are made of a thin coating of dental porcelain that replaces the enamel and is bonded to the natural tooth below. These typically look better than composite bonding, and the porcelain does not discolor. However, veneers are generally much more expensive than bonding. So bonding is a good option if cost is a concern.
How Much Does Teeth Bonding Cost?
The cost of tooth bonding varies depending on where you live, the length of the operation, and the dentist’s expertise.
You can expect to pay between $300 and $600 per tooth on average. Every 5 to 10 years, the bonding will need to be changed.
Before making an appointment, check with your dental insurance provider. Some insurance companies consider dental bonding to be a cosmetic treatment and will not cover the cost.
You can also read: Lateral Trainer Pros and Cons And Benefits
How to Get Ready for Tooth Bonding
Tooth bonding does not need any special preparation. However, you should visit your dentist to check if you are a candidate for this surgery.
Bonding may not be effective if you have serious tooth damage or decay. Instead, you may require a veneer or crown.
How to Take Care of Bonded Teeth
Taking good care of your teeth might extend the life of a bonded tooth. Tips for self-care include:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing every day
- Avoiding hard foods and candies
- Avoiding biting your nails
- Avoiding drinking coffee, tea, or smoking for the first two days after the operation to avoid stains
- Arranging for six-monthly dental cleanings
If you accidentally break or damage the bonding material or have any sharp or rough edges after the surgery, go and consult with a dentist.
When to Get Dental Bonding Replaced
Contact your dentist if you detect any sharp or lifted edges on your tooth bonding. It may be time for a replacement. As you bite down, keep a record of how your bonded teeth feel. This is because changes in your bite might suggest a bonding issue. Unfortunately, if dental bonding gets loose and is not addressed, it can fall off and damage your tooth.
The Bottom Line
Being able to smile confidently can improve your mood. So investing in tooth bonding can change the direction of your life. Imagine walking into that job interview feeling confident rather than hesitant to show your full smile!
So, how long does dental bonding last? In general, you should be able to go three to 10 years without needing to rebond your teeth. If you’re considering cosmetic or restorative procedures to improve your look or repair a broken tooth, tooth bonding may be an attractive choice.
Remember that your dental expert can provide specialized insight into your options suited to your specific requirements.
Writing by a Dentist Specialist
