How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?

Has your dentist recently recommended that a quick dental bonding treatment may be the solution to your cosmetic oral concerns? Valparaiso Dental bonding is an easy and low-cost option to make small improvements to the appearance of your smile. But you may be wondering if it is easy, and affordable, how long does it last? Before you decide if dental bonding is right for you, you may want to think through some of the details, like how does the procedure work and how long will the results last?

What Is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure where a tooth-colored composite or a dental prosthetic is applied to one or several teeth to repair cracks, chips, gaps, or discoloration. There are two different types of dental bonding. Composite dental bonding is when a tooth-colored putty is applied directly to the teeth and sculpted to reach the desired appearance. After the composite hardens, it is polished to match the nearby natural teeth. The alternative bonding approach is when a dental prosthetic, such as a dental veneer, is constructed and then bonded to the teeth using an adhesive. Veneers are either made of porcelain or composite and need to be manufactured in advance. The composite dental bonding approach is less invasive and is often performed in combination with other dental procedures.

Durability

The different dental bonding approaches vary in their expected durability. Composite bonding is less costly, and a quicker fix, however the veneer alternative is stronger and therefore may last longer. Both the composite bonding process and the bonding of a veneer are estimated to last up to 10 years. In general, composite bonding fixes will not last as long as dental veneers. There are ways to help composite bonding fixes last as long as possible. The best place to start is to take good care of your teeth. In addition to daily brushing and flossing, individuals with composite bonding should avoid chewing on hard materials that can chip or crack the composite. Hard candy, ice cubes, and pen caps are all examples of things that should be avoided. How long bonding will last is also dependent on the area in the mouth where the bonding is located. For example, bonding on the front teeth may be more vulnerable to chipping and damage then bonding in the back of the mouth. It is important to remember that dental composite is not as strong as your natural teeth.

When You Leave the Dentist

If you have recently had a dental bonding treatment, the minute you leave the dentist’s office you should start avoiding old habits that could potentially damage your new bonding. Opening packaging with your teeth, chewing on pen caps, and biting fingernails are all small habits that can cause damage. In addition to chipping, bonding is more susceptible to staining than natural teeth. Daily beverages like coffee and tea or use of tobacco products are items that can cause staining. When trying to determine how long dental bonding can last, you must consider the role that you play. If you avoid small habits that can cause damage and practice good daily habits that will keep your teeth strong and healthy, your bonded teeth will last years.

More on Dental Bonding : Dental Bonding Vs Veneers

 

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Our office is conveniently located in Valparaiso, IN. Many of our patients are from the surrounding Northwest Indiana areas: Valparaiso, Chesterton, Portage, Hobart, Merrillville, Schererville, Kouts, Highland, Munster, La Porte, Michigan City, South Bend, and Crown Point. Patients also travel from Chicago, Ohio and Southwest Michigan.