How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?
There are several cosmetic treatments available to enhance your smile. Dental bonding is a popular procedure used to conceal aesthetic flaws like chips, cracks, and staining. Dr. John Goodman performs dental bonding at our Kansas City, MO, practice.
Many of our patients want to know how long dental bonding lasts. Here, our team answers that question and also offers some recommendations for keeping your smile looking bright and healthy for years to come.
Dental Bonding: A Brief Overview
Dental bonding is one of the least invasive and most affordable treatments in dentistry. During the procedure, Dr. Goodman applies a tooth-colored resin material to the affected teeth. He then shapes and molds the material and hardens it with a curing light. The teeth are then polished for natural-looking results.
Bonding can address a wide range of cosmetic issues, including chips, gaps, discoloration, and slight misalignment. The entire procedure can be completed in less than one hour at our Kansas City, MO, practice.
Are Results Permanent?
As with most dental procedures, bonding will not last forever. With proper care, however, dental bonding usually lasts up to ten years. Results can vary for each individual, depending on the state of their oral health and commitment to proper hygiene.
Maintaining Your Smile after Bonding
To keep your smile looking its best after dental bonding, there are a few guidelines you can follow. Dr. Goodman recommends that patients:
- Practice good oral hygiene. You should brush at least twice each day and floss once daily. Whether you have bonding or not, you should use a nonabrasive fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Avoid bad habits. Biting your fingernails or chewing on ice cubes can damage your treated teeth. It is important to understand that composite resin is not nearly as strong as your natural enamel. Furthermore, you should never use your teeth to tear tags off or open packages. These habits can cause the bonding to break or chip.
- Steer clear of certain foods. Hard foods like nuts and popcorn can also damage your treated teeth. In addition, tea, coffee, soda, red wine, and other dark-colored foods and beverages can discolor the bonding material.
- Do not smoke. Tobacco products can quickly discolor the bonding material, not to mention your natural teeth. If you are undergoing cosmetic dentistry treatments, it may be a good time to discontinue tobacco use altogether.
- Visit your dentist regularly. To ensure that your bonded teeth remain in excellent condition, attend all routine exams and cleanings. During these appointments, Dr. Goodman can detect any potential problems and treat them before they worsen.
Benefits of Dental Bonding
Keep in mind that while bonding does not last forever, there are plenty of reasons why it is a go-to cosmetic treatment. Here are the top three advantages of dental bonding:
- Fast treatment: While alternative treatments can take several weeks to complete, dental bonding only takes one office visit.
- Affordable: Compared to porcelain veneers, crowns, and other alternatives, bonding is incredibly cost-effective.
- Long-lasting results: Though the results of bonding are not permanent, they can be long-lasting with proper care.
Contact Our Practice Today
Are you considering dental bonding to enhance your smile? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Goodman at our Kansas City, MO, practice. He can help you determine if dental bonding is right for you. Contact us online or call our office at (816) 842-8585.