Many people have minor dental flaws like chips, cracks, gaps, and stains that can distract observers from their otherwise beautiful smiles, and dental bonding can be a fantastic way to painlessly address these issues in minutes during a single dental appointment. While the results of dental bonding can last a long time if you have excellent oral hygiene habits, they are not permanent. Here’s how long the effects of dental bonding can last and how you can keep your smile looking great for the longest time before needing retreatment.
How Does Dental Bonding Work?
Dental bonding can be performed painlessly in minutes without any anesthesia or recovery time, which makes it great for many patients with busy schedules or who are a little anxious about receiving cosmetic dental treatments. The process works by concealing defects with a malleable material that mimics the ideal appearance of natural enamel, and it typically requires no alteration of the existing teeth.
To perform this noninvasive treatment, your dentist will apply a small amount of tooth-colored composite resin to the targeted defect and shape this putty-like material to match the curves of your smile. Then, they will harden the resin with a specialized UV light to create a beautiful and durable restoration.
How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?
The effects of dental bonding can last for three years or more if the treated teeth receive excellent care. A few great habits for preserving your results include:
- Excellent oral hygiene: Brush, floss, and use antibacterial mouthwash every day to control populations of harmful oral bacteria that can cause tooth decay and compromise your dental bonding.
- Protecting your teeth from injury: Wear an athletic mouthguard when playing sports to protect your teeth from blows and falls. If you grind your teeth at night, invest in a customized nightguard to minimize the damage.
- Limiting your sugar consumption: Sugary and starchy foods and beverages provide harmful oral bacteria with the fuel they need to multiply rapidly and cause destructive oral infections.
What If I’m Interested in a More Permanent Treatment?
If you’re looking for a longer-lasting cosmetic dental treatment that can address even severe flaws like chips, cracks, stains, gaps, and misshapenness, you may wish to consider dental veneers. These appliances are crafted to mimic the ideal appearance of natural dental structures, and they are used to conceal defects and reshape troubled teeth. While these devices can last for fifteen years or more before needing replacement if they receive excellent care, placing them requires the permanent alteration of the treated teeth.
Don’t let dental flaws like chips, cracks, gaps, and stains make you anxious about showing off your smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best cosmetic dental treatment for you.
About the Author
Dr. Nelson Y. Howard graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry in 1986 and completed a General Practice Residency at the V.A. Medical Center in West Los Angeles. He is an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and a member of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics. His offices in San Diego and San Marcos offer general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry like veneers and dental bonding. To schedule your cosmetic consultation, contact him online or dial (858) 451-0550.