Cosmetic dental bonding is a treatment best suited for quick fixes like small chips, gaps, cracks, discoloration, and misaligned or misshapen teeth. The process takes about an hour and uses a composite resin to hide flaws. It costs much less than similar treatments like porcelain veneers, but is dental bonding permanent? Read on to learn more about this procedure as well as whether it’s permanent or will need to be redone in the future.
How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?
So, is dental bonding permanent? This procedure is effective as well as much more affordable than many other cosmetic treatments and offers long-lasting results, but it isn’t a permanent solution to aesthetic smile issues. The material used for dental bonding usually lasts around five to 10 years before it starts to show signs of wear. The amount of time your bonded teeth last also depends on how well you care for your smile.
What Factors Affect How Long Dental Bonding Lasts?
There are several factors that can significantly influence the lifespan of dental bonding, including:
- An imperfect bite – Composite resin isn’t as strong as tooth enamel, so an imperfect bite may put too much strain on it and cause it to wear quickly.
- Bruxism – This condition is characterized by jaw clenching and teeth grinding, especially at night. People with bruxism are susceptible to a range of smile issues, including damage to their bonded teeth.
- Location of the bonding – Dental bonding at the edge of a tooth or on the front teeth is more likely to become damaged.
- Oral hygiene – If you don’t brush your teeth twice and floss once daily, cavities may form, which can jeopardize your dental bonding.
- Dietary choices – Thins like red wine, coffee, sweets, berries, curry, tea, and acidic foods and drinks can stain your bonded teeth.
7 Tips to Protect Your Dental Bonding
Once you have your teeth bonded, there are several things that you can do to protect them. A few ways to ensure that your results last as long as possible include:
- Don’t use your teeth as tools – Use the proper tools to open bottles and packages to avoid unnecessary pressure on the bonded teeth.
- Floss – Every night before bed, floss between your teeth to remove plaque and food particles.
- Avoid dark-colored foods and drinks – Not consuming these will help keep your smile bright.
- Avoid hard things – This includes hard candy, ice cubes, non-food items, and crunchy foods.
- Quit bad habits – If you use tobacco products, cut them out to avoid oral health issues.
- Brush your teeth – Practice good oral hygiene by brushing at least twice per day
- Visit your dentist – Do so every six months for dental checkups and cleanings.
Dental bonding isn’t permanent, but this treatment can last around a decade with proper care. By following the above tips and avoiding damaging habits, you can maintain a beautiful, healthy smile for years to come!
About the Practice
Dr. Alison K. Garrad and Dr. Gregory H. Duncan are the two talented dentists who lead the kind, highly skilled team of dental health professionals at Stone Street Dental. They treat their Greenville patients with compassion and understanding and offer a range of cosmetic treatments, including dental bonding. If you’re wondering “is dental bonding permanent?” contact Stone Street Dental’s office at (903) 455-6075 or visit their website for more information or to schedule a consultation.
