Wondering how long dental bonding lasts? Here our Collingwood dentists reveal the answer – and address questions about how the process works, financial considerations and alternative dental restoration options.
What is dental bonding?
During the dental bonding process, your dentist will apply tooth-coloured composite resin to the surface of your tooth, effectively repairing damage such as chips, decay, fractures or discolouration.
The composite material helps to fill gaps left by a cavity, as well as improving the appearance of your teeth, and in some cases making them appear longer. Needless to say, the appearance of your teeth before and after dental bonding can change significantly.
How long does dental bonding typically last?
Dental bonding generally lasts for anywhere from 4 to 8 years, but it can last much longer depending on a few factors:
- How well you care for your teeth (a thorough oral hygiene routine including daily brushing and flossing is essential)
- Which areas of your mouth are bonded
- Whether you visit your dentist and hygienist twice a year for checkups and professional cleanings
- Your dietary choices
How long your dental bonding lasts is mostly up to how well you care for your teeth. Acidic or sugary foods should be avoided, as these can wear on your teeth. If you enjoy fruit, brush and floss your teeth soon after so plaque or bacteria does not have an opportunity to grow.
You should also avoid chewing ice, hard candy, grinding your teeth or biting down too hard, all of which can chip the composite bonding material.
And of course, it is essential to maintain a consistent and thorough oral hygiene routine. The healthier the natural tooth material around the bonding remains, the longer your restoration will last.
What are the benefits of dental bonding?
Choosing dental bonding to improve the appearance of your smile, may offer you the following benefits:
Improved appearance of teeth: Dental bonding can help adjust the colour and shape of your teeth for a more symmetrical, and cohesive look.
Non-invasive: As far as cosmetic dental treatments go, dental bonding is a relatively non-invasive way to improve the appearance of your smile, and you won't require any recovery time.
Quick treatment: Dental bonding can typically be performed in just one visit.
Cost-effective: Bonding is generally considered to be a cost-effective alternative to more extensive cosmetic dental procedures such as crowns, bridges and veneers.
Long-lasting: Provided that 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.
How much does dental bonding cost?
Patients who come to us for dental bonding procedures are often concerned about cost. The overall cost of your bonding treatment 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
- Where you live – costs may change depending on which city and dental practice performs the procedure
- How much of the procedure is covered by your insurance plan (this may depend on whether your issue is structural or cosmetic)