After Bonding
An advantage of using bonding is that there isn't a specific care regimen you'll need to follow after the procedure. But don't be surprised if your teeth feel a little strange after bonding! Our mouths are very sensitive to changes, and your tooth might feel wider or oddly shaped with the addition of resin. You may be familiar with this sensation if you've had other dental work done, like orthodontics, for example. And just like you got used to your last dental treatment, over time, the resin added to your tooth will become less noticeable.
Bonding may not last as long as other treatments, like veneers. As noted by the Cleveland Clinic, your composite resin will last between three and ten years before needing just a touch-up or a full replacement. How long your bonding lasts will depend on the treated bite area and how you care for your mouth from now on. While bonding is a wonderful solution to a chipped or damaged tooth, remember that it's not immune to stains, nor does it respond to whitening treatments.
Your best bet for keeping a bright, fresh-looking smile is to follow a rigorous oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth with floss, a water flosser, or another interdental cleaning tool once a day, and rinsing with a mouthrinse to eliminate any remaining bacteria. To ensure your composite resin lasts as long as possible, avoid things that can crack the bonded material, such as using your teeth to open food wrappers or munching on hard, sharp, and sticky snacks. When eating with bonded front teeth, we recommend avoiding biting down directly onto hard food and, instead, use teeth on the sides of your mouth.
Tooth bonding is an excellent option for many small but vital repairs. And if you're exploring this treatment option, it's helpful to understand what dental bonding entails - both before and after the procedure. An afternoon in the dentist's office and a little patience on your part could mean beautifying areas of your smile that cause you to feel self-conscious. Whether it's a chipped tooth, a gap in your smile or an area of your smile that needs restoration, tooth bonding is a safe, straightforward, and pain-free solution!