Dental bonding is one of the best and most cost-effective treatments for a range of dental issues, including chipped, cracked, or awkwardly spaced teeth. If you have recently been looking for ways to improve the look of your smile or repair a damaged tooth, dental bonding might be a great fit for your needs. Below is more information on dental bonding to help you decide if this treatment is the right fit for you.
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a treatment where imperfections or damage to the teeth are corrected by adding a putty-like resin that bonds to the teeth before hardening. Once applied, the dental provider shapes the bonding material to their liking, increasing the size or changing the shape of teeth as needed. The composite material is typically tooth-colored, so it will match or enhance the look of the teeth. There are many reasons why patients choose dental bonding, including: improving the appearance of the smile, repairing chipped or fractured teeth, repairing teeth damaged from grinding, improving the shape of the teeth, minimizing gaps between teeth, and covering exposed tooth roots.
What About Dental Veneers?
A popular alternative treatment to dental bonding is dental veneers. Veneers are artificial tooth coverings made of porcelain or composite material that are attached to the front of the natural tooth. Dental veneers and dental bonding address many of the same problems, such as improving the appearance of the smile and repairing damage to teeth. One of the biggest differences between veneers and dental bonding is cost, with veneer costs ranging between $925 to $2,500 per tooth.
How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?
How long dental bonding treatment lasts largely depends on a patient’s oral health routine and their efforts to avoid damage to the bonded teeth. On average, bonding materials last between three and ten years, at which point it may be time to either replace or repair the affected areas.
Taking care of your bonding can help extend its lifespan. Here are a few helpful steps to care for your bonding:
- Avoid chewing on ice and hard items such as pens, pencils, and fingernails.
- Floss between the teeth daily.
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive toothpaste that contains fluoride.
- Maintain a healthy diet low in sugar and highly acidic foods and beverages.
- Avoid or minimize smoking and use of tobacco products.
- Avoid tooth-staining foods and beverages to prevent discoloration of the bonding material.
- Take steps to reduce or minimize grinding of teeth.
- Maintain routine dental visits with professional cleanings.
If you are searching for a dental procedure that will help improve the appearance of your smile or fix a damaged or broken tooth, dental bonding may be a great option for you. Once you have a clear idea of your oral health goals, you should schedule a visit with your dental provider, and they can help you explore your options and choose the option that is the best fit for you.
Related Article: What?s the Difference Between Dental Bonding and Veneers?