Is Dental Bonding a Permanent Solution?

While it may seem minor to someone else, an imperfection in your smile can affect your self-esteem. Thankfully, with modern cosmetic dentistry, you have a lot of options to address the issue. Before you invest in a particular treatment, you probably wonder how long it will last. Is dental bonding permanent? Read on to find out from your cosmetic dentist in Arlington Heights.

How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?

Cosmetic dental bonding is an affordable, effective, and quick way to enhance your appearance, plus the results are long-lasting. But is dental bonding permanent? No, it’s not a forever solution for your smile. The bonding material can last 5-10 years before it begins to wear down.

Of course, it all depends on how well you take care of your teeth and gums. Practicing good oral hygiene, visiting your dentist regularly, and avoiding bad habits like biting your fingernails can help your new smile to last as long as possible.

What Factors Affect the Lifespan of Dental Bonding?

Your oral hygiene and dietary choices are two factors that can significantly influence the lifespan of dental bonding. However, here are a few other aspects that can impact it as well:

• An imperfect bite. Since composite resin isn’t as strong as natural enamel, an imperfect bite can put too much strain on the structure and cause it to wear down more quickly.
• Teeth grinding. Do you have a history of grinding your teeth at night? If so, you should wear a mouthguard. It will help prevent problems like damage to the bond, jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, and tooth cracking.
• Location of the bonding. If you get bonding at the edge of your tooth or on the front teeth, it’s more likely to crack and get damaged.

Tips to Protect Your Dental Bonding

After your dental bonding procedure, you’re going to want to do whatever it takes to preserve your beautiful new smile. Here are a few tips to help expand the lifespan of your results:

• Visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily.
• Quit smoking and using tobacco products.
• Stay away from dark-colored foods and drinks (red wine, soy sauce, coffee, tea, etc.) to keep your smile bright.
• Avoid biting down on hard candy, ice cubes, or crunchy foods.
• Do not use your teeth as tools. Using them to tear open a package or crack open nuts puts unnecessary pressure on the bonded tooth, potentially damaging it.

While dental bonding isn’t permanent, this treatment can last a long time with proper care and maintenance. By following the tips outlined above from your cosmetic dentist in Arlington Heights, you can keep your smile looking beautiful and healthy for years to come!

About the Practice

At Costello & DeHart Dental Excellence, our dentists Dr. Ernie Costello and Dr. Jay DeHart lead a staff that strives to be engaged, respectful, flexible, collaborative, and receptive to constructive feedback. We know your schedule can get busy, so we offer evening and Saturday hours. If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry, schedule a consultation on our website or call (847) 259-1111.