Feeling unsatisfied with your smile can take a toll on your self-esteem. Whether you’ve been living with a tooth gap for years, or you recently chipped a front tooth, even a little flaw can cause you to think twice before you smile. And studies show that smiling is beneficial for your overall mental and physical health. However, before deciding to transform your smile using a tooth bonding procedure, consider the upkeep. How long does tooth bonding last? The answer isn’t always clear-cut. Below we’ll explore the range of years this procedure can last, what factors impact the lifespan, and how to properly take care of this dental work.
How Long Does Tooth Bonding Last?
Average Time
Tooth bonding can last as few as 3 years, but as many as 10 years. We understand that is a big range! Dental bonding doesn’t last quite as long as veneers, which typically endure between seven and 15 years. However, there are some perks of going with dental bonding rather than veneers: Dental bonding tends to cost less than veneers, and it doesn’t require as much removal of your enamel.
Maintaining Tooth Bonding
Of course, several factors play a role in how many years of usage you can get out of your dental bonding. Just like you need to maintain and protect a car, you need to do the same with your dental bonding. For starters, you’ll need to practice good oral hygiene. If a cavity forms near your tooth-bonding site, you could be looking at a hefty bill for getting a crown placed. So make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss your teeth once a day, and regularly use mouthwash. You should also make sure to visit your dentist twice a year.
Bonding materials are prone to chipping. To prevent this issue, be careful with how you eat foods and what you chew on. For example, rather than biting into an apple with your bonded front teeth, simply cut it up and let your molars do the heavy lifting. If you’re a nail biter, getting dental bonding is the perfect motivator to help you quit. And for those of you who love to use your teeth as a tool to open tricky packages, this bad habit is a big no with dental bonding. Avoid chewing on anything hard, including ice, the end of your pencil, and hard candy.
When to Get Dental Bonding Replaced
If you start to notice any sharp or lifted edges on your dental bonding, contact your dentist – it may be time for a replacement. Also pay attention to how your bonded teeth feel when you bite down, as changes in your bite can indicate a loose bonding. Unfortunately, dental bonding can fall off and chip your tooth if it becomes loose and is left untreated.
Being able to smile with confidence can transform the way you feel, so investing in dental bonding can change the course of your life. Just imagine going in for that job interview feeling confident rather than too timid to release your full smile!
So how long does tooth bonding last? Generally, you can expect to go three to ten years before needing to rebond your teeth.
Now that you know more about tooth bonding, are you ready to take the plunge and invest in your smile? If you’re looking for an experienced, reliable, and friendly dentist near Springfield, Missouri, contact Wilkinson Dental. Dr. Wilkinson and his team will give you the personalized treatment you deserve using state-of-the-art technology. For exceptional and comprehensive dental care, schedule your first appointment today by calling 417-708-0556 or requesting an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!