Tooth Bonding: How Long Does It Last?

A bright, white smile is a sign of beauty, health, and youth. An attractive grin also offers certain life advantages in work and social settings. But sometimes, dental assistance is needed to help restore or maintain whiter teeth. One of the easiest and most cost-effective cosmetic approaches is dental bonding.

Dental Bonding

Bonding veneers can improve your smile in a variety of ways. To better understand how dental bonding can help, here is a list of information about what to expect before, during and after the procedure.

When is Dental Bonding the Right Solution?

• Repairing Minor Dental Trauma: Dental bonding is used to repair chips, cracks and small cavities.
• Covering Tooth Discoloration: Teeth whitening is not always a suitable option. Not all stains respond well to bleaching alone. In these situations, dental bonding can conceal tooth discolorations and stubborn stains.

How Long is the Procedure?

Dental bonding requires about 30-60 minutes for each tooth. A tooth-colored composite resin is applied, shaped and molded to the treated tooth to fill-in chips and cracks. The bonding veneers are hardened with a special light. For the composite resin to adhere properly, the tooth must be prepared beforehand with a dental instrument to roughen the surface.

Oral Care Routine for Bonded Teeth

With bonding veneers, you must avoid staining, chipping and breaking your bonded teeth. Avoid bad dental habits that may lead to damage. Do not chew on hard objects like ice, pencils, hard candy or fingernails. Also, be very careful when eating foods that could tug on your dental bonding such as corn, or crusty bread.

Resume your usual oral care routine with your newly bonded teeth. Just be sure to remain diligent with your dental hygiene practices. Brush at least twice daily for a minimum of two-minute sessions, floss at least once per day, and visit your dentist as recommended for routine cleanings and exams.

Tooth bonding can last from 3 to 10 years depending partly on how well you care for the bonding veneers. Maintain a good oral care routine, and your dental work will function well for many years.