How Long Does Composite Bonding Last?

Understanding Composite Bonding Longevity

Composite bonding is one of the most popular and effective treatments for patients looking to improve the appearance of their smile. This treatment is effective in fixing cosmetic issues, broken teeth, staining, and many more imperfections.

What is Composite Tooth Bonding?

The tooth bonding procedure is where your dentist will take a composite, resin material, and apply it to your tooth to add volume. This will be to shape your tooth, alter the size, appearance, or colour. This composite resin is a putty-like material, which will bond onto your teeth before hardening.

To prepare for the bonding material, your dentist will prep your tooth to ensure a good base for your bonding to adhere to. This prep will be the drilling of your tooth and the application of a conditioning liquid. Finally, the dentist will shine a dental curing light across your tooth before smoothing and polishing the final product.

Who Would Benefit From Tooth Bonding?

You will likely benefit from tooth bonding if you:

• Have one or more damaged teeth (chipped or fractured)
• Are wanting to improve the cosmetic appearance of your teeth
• Are insecure or unhappy with your tooth/teeth shape
• Are unhappy with any gaps in your teeth
• Have minor tooth discoloration
• Want a cost-effective smile improvement

How Long Does Composite Bonding Last?

Your composite bonding's longevity will depend greatly on your own oral health and whether you damage your bonding by chipping or breaking it. Generally, your bonding materials will last anywhere between 3-10 years but as mentioned, this will depend on your own dental hygiene. The good thing is that the resin can be cared for similarly to normal tooth enamel.

Does Composite Bonding Fall Off?

Another popular patient question is whether their composite bonding will fall off their teeth. Unfortunately, the resin material isn't as strong as something like porcelain veneers and can be susceptible to breakage, becoming loose, or falling out.

Also, patients may have had bonding to cover breakage or chipping of their natural tooth, meaning the tooth structure underneath the bonding can be weak and susceptible to infection. Therefore, if your composite bonding was to fall off or deteriorate – it is important to get it repaired quickly at your practitioners.

How to Make Your Dental Bonding Last Longer

There are several ways you can ensure your dental bonding lasts longer following your initial procedure:

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
   Ensure you're flossing and brushing your teeth every day using good quality toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the bonding material.
2. Regular Dental Check-ups
   Ensure regular check-ups with your dentist as usual to spot any unnoticed issues early and maintain optimal oral health.
3. Be Careful with Hard Foods
   Hard foods like popcorn, ice, and hard sweets can damage your composite bonding by chipping or breaking it. Cut hard foods into smaller pieces.
4. Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks
   The bonding material stains faster than normal tooth enamel, so steer clear of coffee, red wine, tea, and dark berries to avoid mismatched teeth.
5. Don't Use Teeth as Tools
   Avoid biting fingernails, opening packages, or chewing on pens and pencils, as these habits can damage the bonding.
6. Wear a Night Guard
   If you grind your teeth at night, a custom night guard can protect your bonding from excessive wear.

Alternatives to Dental Bonding

There are a few alternatives to dental bonding when considering the procedure. One alternative is that of porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are stronger than composite bonding and can last upwards of 20 years after the procedure. However, unlike dental bonding, veneers require irreversible altering of the natural tooth structure – which can be a turn-off for many potential patients.

Signs Your Bonding Needs Attention

Contact your dentist if you notice:

• Chips or cracks in the bonding material
• Discoloration or staining
• Sharp edges that irritate your tongue
• Sensitivity or pain
• The bonding feels loose