How Durable Is Dental Bonding?

Your dentist might recommend dental bonding if you are unhappy with your smile. This article explains how long this restoration will last and what influences its lifespan. Whether you have had a tooth gap for years or have recently chipped a front tooth, even a little mistake will make you hesitate before smiling. However, before opting for a tooth bonding treatment to improve your smile, one of the questions you might have is — how long does it last? The answer is not necessarily obvious. Read on to learn more.

The durability of dental bonding

Dental bonding may last as little as three years or as long as 10. Bonding does not last as long as veneers, which will last anywhere from seven to 15 years. However, there are some advantages to using dental bonding instead of veneers: Dental bonding is less expensive than veneers and does not need too much enamel removal, which is good for preserving the tooth’s structure.

Dental bonding maintenance

Several aspects influence the number of years patients will get out of their dental bonding. They must preserve and secure the bonded tooth in the same way as the natural teeth. To begin, you will need to maintain good oral hygiene. If a cavity develops around the bonded point, patients might have no other choice than a crown, which is more costly. Care and maintenance include cleaning the teeth at least twice a day, floss once a day, and using mouthwash daily. It is also necessary to see a dentist at least twice a year.

A bonded tooth can still get chipped. This problem is preventable if patients are mindful of how they eat and what they chew. Instead of chewing into an apple with bonded front teeth, cut it up and let the molars take care of it. Dental bonding should motivate those who bite their nails to quit the habit. Also, the teeth should not be used as a tool for opening packages — this is detrimental to the enamel and may cause damage. Also, avoid chewing on hard objects such as ice, pencils, and hard candy.

When to repair or replace dental bonding

Patients need to talk to their dentist if they find any sharp or lifted edges on the bonded tooth. It may be a sign that a repair is needed. Take note of how the bonded teeth react when biting down because bite changes may signal a loose bonding. The bad news is if dental bonding becomes loose and is not handled, as it will break off and chip the tooth.