How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?

Curious about how long dental bonding lasts? Read on to learn more. Dental bonding can be a functional as well as aesthetic procedure. It is simple, quick, and effective for correcting minor dental imperfections that impact the appearance of the smile. It involves putting a tooth-colored composite resin on the surface area of the tooth. The resin is shaped, hardened, and polished to match the rest of the teeth.

The durability of dental bonding

Factors like the amount of bonding on the tooth, the location of the bonding, and the patient's oral behavior might impact the lifespan of dental bonding. Dental bonding may last between three and 10 years before it must be fixed or replaced. This range shows the role of individual factors in determining the durability of the procedure. Those points include:

• Tooth location: Bonding in areas of the teeth that are less subjected to bite strain (like the front tooth) has a longer lifespan. Nevertheless, bonding on the back teeth or areas that are subjected to repeated chewing might have a shorter lifespan.
• Oral habits: Bad Habits like nail-biting, chewing on hard objects (candy and ice), and using teeth as a tool shorten the life of dental bonding. Such actions cause great stress on the bonded material, resulting in chips and cracks.
• Oral hygiene: Good oral hygiene may extend the lifespan of the dental bonding. Brushing, flossing, and going for frequent dental examinations can prevent decay in the bonded location and ensure the resin stays in good condition.
• Diet: The appearance and durability of the bonding material are impacted when patients eat extremely acidic food and drinks or cause stains (e.g., coffee, tea, red wine).

Increasing the lifespan of dental bonding

The general dentist will provide specific directions to ensure the durability of the dental bonding. They include good dental hygiene, avoiding biting hard objects, and wearing a nightguard, in the case of patients who grind their teeth while asleep. Routine cleanings and checkups must also be scheduled with the dental professional. Individuals who follow the dentist's care recommendations will typically get more years from the dental bonding.

When to replace dental bonding

In time, dental bonding will wear, discolor, chip, and need to be repaired or replaced. Rough edges, cracks, or a color change are signs that the bonded tooth must be repaired. Frequent dentist visits enable the dentist to detect problems with the bonded teeth and fix them quickly. The process of repairing a bonded tooth is similar to the original procedure. The dentist will scrape the old material off before applying the new material.