Even small imperfections in your teeth can affect how you feel about your smile. Thankfully, dental bonding is a simple and effective way to enhance your appearance. If you’re considering this treatment, one of the most common questions is: How long does it last? While bonding isn’t permanent, it can offer lasting results with the right care. Read on to learn more about the lifespan of dental bonding!
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin to correct minor flaws like chips, cracks, gaps, and discoloration. It’s an affordable, non-invasive option that can usually be completed in a single visit. Your results can last between five and ten years, depending on a few key factors.
What Affects How Long Bonding Lasts?
The longevity of dental bonding ultimately depends on your lifestyle, habits, and the location of the bonded tooth. Here are a few important things that can impact how long your results last:
- Oral Hygiene – Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist regularly will help preserve the bonded area and your overall oral health.
- Diet and Habits – Chewing on hard objects like ice or pens, biting your nails, or using your teeth to open packages can shorten the lifespan of the bonding.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) – If you grind your teeth at night, the pressure can wear down the bonded material. A custom nightguard can help protect your smile.
- Bite Alignment – An uneven bite can put extra stress on the bonded teeth, leading to faster wear and tear.
- Placement of the Bonding – Bonding on the edge of teeth or front-facing surfaces is more prone to damage from regular use.
How to Make Your Dental Bonding Last
To get the most out of your cosmetic bonding, follow these care tips:
- Avoid hard and sticky foods that could chip or damage the bonded teeth
- Stay away from stain-causing foods and drinks like coffee, red wine, tea, and berries, especially in the first 48 hours after treatment
- Quit smoking or using tobacco, which can stain the bonding material and harm your oral health
- Brush and floss regularly, using non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid dulling the bonded surface
- Schedule dental checkups every six months so your dentist can monitor the condition of the bonding and catch any issues early
About the Author
Dr. Raj Vekariya is dedicated to providing stress-free, compassionate dental care. After beginning his career in India, he earned his DDS from NYU and now stays current with the latest techniques. Ready to enhance your smile with dental bonding? You can book a cosmetic consultation via our website or call (724) 607-8638.