How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?
Dental bonding is a minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry treatment that addresses a wide range of aesthetic blemishes to enhance the appearance of the smile. During this procedure, a tooth colored compound is applied and shaped directly to the teeth to conceal imperfections such as discoloration, dental stains, gaps, or minor chips and fractures.
Dental bonding is not a permanent treatment, but it can provide long lasting results. The dental team at Chrisman & Wyse Cosmetic & General Dentistry, serving Bloomington, IL, and surrounding areas, prepares patients for how long dental bonding lasts, and offers tips for prolonging the results of this popular cosmetic dentistry treatment.
Dental Bonding Lifespan
The composite material applied during dental bonding treatment is made up of strong and durable materials, so it is meant to last. However, with the continual force that the teeth are exposed to, patients cannot expect the results of dental bonding treatment to last forever. Over time, the dental bonding material will weaken and wear down, and the natural tooth structure will be exposed.
We cannot tell our Bloomington patients exactly how long dental bonding will last because the dental bonding lifespan is dependent on a number of different factors. Dental bonding results can be affected by dental habits, the foods and beverages people consume, and oral hygiene routines. In normal conditions, patients can expect dental bonding results to last at least five years, and with proper care, the dental bonding lifespan can be expanded to up to 10 years.
Prolonging Dental Bonding Results
Since the lifespan of dental bonding treatment is largely affected by dental hygiene habits and practices, there are many things that patients can do to promote lasting treatment results. To prolong the lifespan of dental bonding treatment, we advise our Bloomington patients to:
- Brush and floss the teeth regularly
- Schedule biannual dental exams and cleanings
- Avoid biting down on non-food objects, such as fingernails, bottle caps, pens, etc.
- When chewing food, try to avoid biting with teeth treated with dental bonding
- Limit foods that are especially hard, crunchy, or chewy
- Limit foods and beverages that are highly staining
What To Do When Dental Bonding Wears Down
Even with the best care, dental bonding will eventually wear down and reveal the flaws that treatment was meant to conceal. Fortunately, dental bonding treatment can be repeated. A secondary dental bonding treatment is very similar to the initial procedure.
Our dentists start treatment by cleaning the teeth to remove any remaining dental bonding material. New material is then shaped directly to the teeth. A special dental light is applied to harden the material and bond it in place. Once dental bonding treatment has been repeated, patients can expect to enjoy an attractive smile for another five to 10 years.
Contact Us
If minor dental flaws are preventing you from fully enjoying your smile, you may be an ideal candidate for dental bonding treatment. To learn more about the dental bonding procedure and its results, send us a message at your earliest convenience or call (309) 663-6393 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced dentists.
