Need to repair a cracked tooth or fix a gap in your smile? Bonding a damaged tooth might be the answer you’ve been waiting for. If your dentist has suggested tooth bonding as a solution to your dental concerns, you probably have some questions about the procedure.
We’ve compiled a quick overview to address common causes for tooth bonding, how the procedure is completed, and long-term care suggestions to keep your bonds healthy and shiny.
Why Dental Bonding a Damaged Tooth Might be Right for You
Dental bonding is a non-invasive procedure that addresses minor tooth damage and cosmetic concerns. Some of the most common reasons to choose bonding include:
- Cracks in teeth
- Chipped or damaged teeth
- Gaps in teeth
Tooth bonding is an excellent solution to address these problems, particularly in areas that are low-use. Keep in mind that tooth bonding isn’t ideal for all repairs: “when dental damage is more severe or in an area of high bite pressure, your dental professional may suggest a veneer or crown – both of which are ideal for extensive damage or molar restoration” (colgate.com).
How Does Tooth Bonding Work?
Tooth bonding is a simple procedure that often only requires one visit to the dentist office. Most likely, your dentist won’t need to use any form of anesthetic, except in rare cases when tooth damage is more extensive. Because it’s a quick process, you won’t need to do anything to prepare ahead of time.
To complete the procedure, your dentist will likely use a material called “composite resin,” which fills in the gaps or cracks in your teeth. The resin is matched to your tooth color, and then hardened, or “bonded,” using a high-intensity light. To ensure you have a high-quality bond that will look good and be safe long-term, ask your dentist about the type of resin they use, as many types of composite resin are BPA-free, making them safer in the long term.
Since the procedure isn’t very invasive, there should be little to no pain or recovery time. In order to avoid staining your newly cured bonding, avoid coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking for a few days afterwards.
How Long Does Bonding Last?
The longevity of your bond depends on several different factors, but most dentists usually estimate that tooth bonding will last from 5 to 10 years.
Other factors to consider when estimating the lifespan of your dental bonding include:
- The type of material used – There are multiple types of bond resins available and some may be more durable over time.
- Where the bonding is applied in your mouth – High-bite areas or areas where pressure occurs when grinding or clenching your teeth will likely wear down more quickly than low-use areas of the mouth.
- Personal habits – If you’re prone to nail-biting or indulging in hard caramel, your dental bonding probably won’t last as long. The resin used to form bonds isn’t as durable as natural teeth are. Chewing on your fingernails, eating hard food, and grinding your teeth can wear down the resin faster than typical damage to your teeth.
- Dental hygiene – If you have poor oral hygiene habits, it can increase the likelihood of damage to bonding, staining, and underlying tooth decay.
How to Make your Dental Bonding Last
Cleanliness and good oral care are essential for your dental bonding’s longevity. Taking care of your bonding involves simple preventative measures and routine visits to your dentist for a cleaning and exam.
Home care for bonding includes: brushing regularly, flossing, and using mouth wash. Although it’s a good idea to brush twice a day, remember not to get too zealous with your brushing as this might loosen or damage bonding.
Dental bonding should last for years, but it won’t last forever. Keep an eye on your bonds and visit your dentist if you notice any significant changes.
Interested in Bonding a Damaged Tooth?
At Treasured Smiles Adult and Cosmetic Dentistry, we pride ourselves in our customer care, state-of-the-art offices, and highly-trained staff. We specialize in adult and cosmetic dentistry, so you can be sure to find the best solutions for all your dental concerns.
Whether you need to address tooth damage or want to improve your smile, our team of experts will guide you through the process. Contact us today to set up a consultation and our staff will work with you to achieve a healthy smile for years to come.