Have you ever wondered how long dental bonding lasts? Our dentists in Napanee reveal the answer – and address your questions about how the process works, alternatives and financial factors.
What is dental bonding?
The dental bonding process has your dentist applying tooth-coloured composite resin to the surfaces of your teeth, effectively repairing fractures, discolouration, decay and chips.
We can use this material to help fill gaps left by a cavity, changing the appearance of your teeth and making them appear longer. The appearance of your teeth before and after dental bonding can change significantly.
How long does dental bonding last?
Dental bonding effects typically last for 4 to 8 years - and potentially longer - depending on a few factors:
- Your dietary choices
- Which areas of your mouth the dental bonding is applied to
- How well your teeth are cared for (maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine including daily brushing and flossing)
- Whether you attend your regularly scheduled dental appointments (twice each year)
How well you care for your teeth plays a large role in how long your dental bonding lasts. Avoid sugary or acidic foods since these can wear on your teeth. Brush and floss your teeth soon after enjoying fruit so bacteria or plaque does not have the chance to take hold and grow out of control.
Also avoid grinding your teeth, biting down too hard, or chewing hard candy or ice, all of which can chip the bonding material.
In addition, maintain a consistent and thorough oral hygiene routine as one of the most important principles of making your dental bonding last as long as possible. The healthier the tooth material surrounding the bonding material stays, the longer the restoration will last.
What are the benefits of dental bonding?
If you choose dental bonding to improve the appearance of your smile, you may experience the following benefits:
Changes appearance of teeth: Dental bonding can help adjust the colour and shape of your teeth for symmetrical, cohesive look.
Non-invasive: As far as cosmetic treatments go, dental bonding is relatively non-invasive and you won't require any recovery time.
Quick treatment: We can usually perform the procedure in just one visit.
Cost-effective: Dental bonding is generally considered to be a cost-effective alternative to more extensive cosmetic dental procedures such as crowns, bridges and veneers.
Long-lasting: As long as you care for your smile properly, you can expect the effects of dental bonding to last for 4 to 8 years, or longer in some cases.
What does dental bonding cost?
Patients who come to us for dental bonding procedures are often concerned about cost. Your specific cost will depend on a few factors:
- The number of teeth being repaired
- Scope of work, location and size of the areas of the mouth being bonded
- Your location – costs may change depending on which city and dental practice performs the procedure
- How much of the procedure is covered by insurance (this may depend on whether your issue is primarily structural or cosmetic)