While each of your teeth has a vital role to play — except, perhaps, those pesky wisdom teeth! — your front teeth might be the most missed if they were to suddenly disappear overnight. They’re like the spokespeople for your smile. The poster children. The visual representatives. Without them, your smile would suffer a huge loss. So, if you’ve always been unhappy with your front teeth (due to their shape, color, spacing, etc.) or they were recently damaged (chipped, cracked, stained, etc.), you might wish to consider dental bonding. Bonding on front teeth comes with some special considerations, however. Let’s discuss how this procedure might impact your smile, your bite, your oral hygiene routine, and more.
Bonding on Front Teeth Explained
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material is applied to enamel and hardened with a special light. It can fix a number of cosmetic woes, including chips, cracks, gaps, discoloration, and more. The procedure is affordable, minimally invasive, doesn’t require anesthesia, and provides natural-looking results, making it a great fit for visible parts of your smile, such as your front teeth.
How long does it take?
Because dental bonding is typically used to repair minor issues affecting just one or two teeth, it doesn’t require much time. In fact, it can typically be completed in a single visit!
How will bonding affect my smile?
Dental bonding on front teeth can have a profound impact on your smile. Your dentist will color-match the resin to your natural teeth and shape it carefully, ensuring a seamless finish. Assuming you’re working with an experienced dentist, you can expect a beautiful result. You might even enjoy a confidence boost when you see how natural it looks! Keep in mind, however, that bonding resin stains just like natural tooth enamel. Avoid staining agents to keep your smile bright.
How will bonding affect my bite?
Typically, when performed by a skilled dentist, dental bonding on your front teeth won’t negatively impact your bite. The resin is shaped to match your natural tooth structure, ensuring that your bite alignment remains comfortable and functional. There’s rarely a noticeable difference in bite when patients are chewing or closing their mouths. In addition, your ability to bite into food shouldn’t be affected much. Just avoid biting directly into very hard foods (ice cubes, apples, carrots, nuts, hard candy) and sticky foods (caramel, gummies, taffy). Instead, put them in the back of your mouth and chew them with your molars.
If you experience any bite issues after a bonding treatment, just stop by your dentist’s office. A quick adjustment will typically fix the problem and prevent discomfort and uneven wear.
Will I need to change my oral hygiene routine after bonding?
Not really! You should still be doing all the following:
- Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Flossing daily
- Visiting your dentist on a regular basis for cleanings and check-ups
Avoid abrasive toothpastes, which can dull bonded teeth. In addition, never use your teeth as tools (when opening packaging, opening a bottle, cracking a nut, etc.), avoid biting your nails, and don’t chew on pens or ice. These warnings stand true whether you have bonded teeth or not, but they’re especially important with bonded teeth because resin isn’t as durable as enamel.
Treat your teeth with care so they can continue looking and functioning their best.
How long does dental bonding last?
Generally, you can expect bonding on front teeth to last about 3 to 10 years. Their lifespan varies based on a number of factors, including all the following:
- Whether you bite your nails, chew on ice, or use your teeth as tools
- Whether you grind your teeth
- How frequently you consume staining foods and drinks
- How frequently you brush, floss, and visit your dentist
- The quality of the materials used
- The skill of the dentist
With good habits and solid care, bonded teeth can last a long time.
_____
Any major changes to your chompers can be a little disorienting, but getting bonding on your front teeth is a quick, effective, and affordable way to give your smile a boost. Whether you recently chipped a tooth or you’ve always been bothered by a stain on your incisor, bonding might be the ideal solution.
If you’re looking for an experienced, reliable, and friendly dentist in or near Springfield, Missouri, contact Wilkinson Dental. Our team will give you the personalized treatment you deserve using state-of-the-art technology. Schedule your first appointment today by calling 417-708-0556 or requesting an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!