Dental bonding treatment is considered quite durable. However, the longevity of your results can depend on several factors. In general, we expect dental bonding to last from three to seven years. To maintain your results for a prolonged period, we suggest the following:
Take excellent care of your oral health. Taking care of dental bonding is as simple as taking great care of your mouth as a whole. Because dental bonding is a small restoration on only part of a tooth, it may be degraded by acid, erosion, and decay. The good news is that brushing your teeth twice a day every day and flossing once each day removes the majority of the acid and debris that contributes to cavities and enamel erosion. Brushing and flossing also help to maintain proper pH levels in the mouth, which decreases the risk of tooth decay.
Toothpaste and toothbrush choices. When brushing your teeth, the products that you use matter to not only your gums and natural enamel but also to restorations like dental bonding. Your dentist may advise you to use non-abrasive toothpaste to prevent micro-scratches in the composite bonding material. In general, it's necessary to look for toothpaste that is safe for composite material. Your toothbrush can also support or diminish the results of your bonding treatment. Use toothbrushes that have soft bristles rather than hard bristles to avoid scratching your dental bonding and reducing the effects of this treatment.
Maintain your regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Always alert a new dentist or hygienist that you have dental bonding. This ensures that the proper techniques are used to prolong the results of your treatment.
Eat for white teeth! Dental bonding is done using composite resin. This material is strong and somewhat stain resistant, but not immune to discoloration. Over time, habits like smoking or drinking coffee, red wine, or tea can affect the brightness of the dental bonding resin. You don't necessarily have to give up the foods and beverages that you love. However, you can care for your dental bonding by rinsing your mouth with water after consuming a product that could cause discoloration.
Avoid alcohol consumption. A glass of wine with dinner may sound decadent, but it can affect your dental restorations! The chemicals in alcoholic beverages, all of them, can interact with the bonding agents used in dentistry, causing them to wear down more quickly. While an occasional drink shouldn't harm your dental bonding, more frequent drinking most certainly will.
Go easy on your teeth. If you have a habit of biting on hard objects like ice or pen caps, or if you use your teeth as tools, you may not be the best candidate for dental bonding unless you can stop these habits. Talk to your dentist about how you use your teeth and how you care for your teeth before undergoing this treatment so the two of you can develop strategies to ensure your dental bonding lasts as long as it can.