Cosmetic dental bonding is a simple and common way to improve the look of your front teeth. Bonding is typically used to close spaces between natural teeth, replace worn enamel, re-shape crooked or misaligned teeth, repair broken teeth, and cover stains that tooth whitening treatments cannot remove. While white fillings work well and look great, you must take care of your bonded teeth to maintain a flawless smile for years to come. Below, learn more about how to preserve your dental bonding to maintain its appearance for years to come!
Dental Bonding
Many patients are unaware that composite bonding is a simple, affordable cosmetic treatment that can correct these issues, and it can be completed in just one dental appointment!
Cosmetic bonding is a cosmetic application to improve the look of teeth, but the very same material can also be used in the treatment of cavities. Composite fillings are composed of the same tooth colored composite resin material used to cover cosmetic flaws in teeth. This is because this material is extremely versatile and can be shaded and shaped to fit any tooth. Unfortunately, this material does not last as long as porcelain. Tooth veneers fashioned from this material will last longer if you care for the bonded tooth.
Useful Maintenance Tips for the care of bonded teeth
The durability of dental bonding is relative to how well you take care of your bonded teeth. Bonding typically lasts anywhere from 3-7 years, depending on post-operative care. Unlike porcelain veneers, dental bonding does stain and can chip easily. The following is a list of ways you can preserve the bonding on your teeth.
Bonding lasts longer when it is clean
That means the good oral hygiene habits you practice to prevent cavities can also help preserve your bonded teeth. Brushing and flossing is very important. You should brush at least twice daily and floss daily. You should also avoid starchy foods and sweets as much as possible, as these disrupt your mouth’s natural pH levels and lead to increased production of oral bacteria found in plaque.
Your dietary habits affect stain accumulation
If you smoke or chew tobacco products, stains will attach to bonding more than natural enamel. So will coffee, tea, and red wine stains.
Professional maintenance to care for bonded teeth
Professional maintenance helps keep bonding shiny and new, but an ordinary dental hygienist may not possess the skills and training to clean it properly, while simultaneously preserving the composite restoration. Regular professional dental cleaning techniques can change the texture of your bonded teeth. Special polishing pastes are required to restore shine. Common tooth cleaning products like pastes with pumice, ultrasonic scaling devices, and air-polishing tools can damage your bonding.
Toothpaste choices
Certain kinds of toothpaste are harsh and can dull bonding. They also increase the chances your bonding will stain. To care for the bonded tooth, use toothpaste intended for composite. Rembrandt toothpaste is available in stores and is safe for composite.
Toothbrush choices
Hard bristled toothbrushes are abrasive on composite. Use soft-bristled brushes to preserve your dental bonding and to avoid damage, and always brush with a gentle touch; bent and flattened toothbrush bristles are a sign that you are putting too much force behind your brush.
Good care for bonded teeth requires common sense
If you feel any snags or rough spots on your teeth, let us know, and we can smooth those areas before they become a problem. A sharp edge on your bonded tooth is as easy to repair as it is to place.
To Preserve Your Dental Bonding, Don’t chew the wrong things
Avoid biting directly onto hard, chewy, or tough foods with a large bonded restoration. Over time, this direct force could weaken and break the bonding (which is not as strong as porcelain).
Alcohol works on bonding agents
Alcoholic beverages cause bonding to deteriorate at a faster rate than normal. While occasional alcohol use is not a problem, heavy drinking will damage the resilience of your bonding. You should also avoid coffee, tea, and smoking because they can stain bonded teeth.
Considering bonded material, learn to care for bonded teeth
Many patients find they can maximize the beauty of their natural smiles with cosmetic dentistry treatments. If you are ready to get rid of the small cosmetic flaws that leave you embarrassed to smile, contact our practice. Dr. Fondriest is a cosmetic dentist who can perform an examination, discuss your smile goals and budget, and help you determine the treatment that will best suit your needs.