How to Maintain Teeth Bonding Treatment

Teeth bonding is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that could dramatically improve the appearance of your smile. Whether it’s used to repair chipped teeth, close small gaps, or improve discoloration, bonding offers a quick and relatively affordable solution. However, like any dental treatment, it requires proper care to ensure it lasts as long as possible. With the right maintenance routine, you can extend the life of your bonding and keep your smile looking fresh for years.

With the right maintenance routine, you can extend the life of your teeth bonding and keep your smile looking fresh for years.

Understanding Teeth Bonding

Before diving into maintenance tips, it’s helpful to understand what teeth bonding involves. The procedure uses a tooth-colored resin material that is applied to the tooth and then hardened with a special light. This bonds the material to the tooth, often enhancing its appearance and strength. Although bonding is durable, it isn’t as strong as natural enamel or other dental restorations like crowns or veneers. That’s why taking care of bonded teeth is essential.

Daily Care and Oral Hygiene

The foundation of maintaining bonded teeth starts with your daily oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Harsh toothpastes can wear down the bonding material over time, dulling its appearance. Flossing daily is also crucial. It helps remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and around the gumline, where decay or staining can start. In addition to brushing and flossing, consider rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash. This helps control plaque and bacteria, reducing the risk of gum disease and prolonging the health of your bonding.

Be Mindful of What You Eat and Drink

Bonded teeth are more prone to staining than natural teeth, particularly because the resin used in bonding is slightly porous. Dark-colored foods and beverages like coffee, red wine, tea, cola, and berries can stain the material over time. To minimize discoloration, try drinking staining beverages through a straw and rinse your mouth with water afterward.

Hard foods can also be a problem. Chewing on ice, hard candy, or nuts may cause the bonding to chip or crack. Even biting your nails or using your teeth to open packaging can damage the bonding. Treat bonded teeth with care, and avoid habits that put unnecessary pressure on them.

Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Use

Smoking and tobacco products are particularly harsh on bonded teeth. Not only could they stain the resin material quickly, but they also increase the risk of gum disease. Gum disease can compromise the overall health of your mouth. If you’ve invested in bonding to improve your smile, it’s a great motivation to quit smoking and maintain the brightness of your teeth.

Regular Dental Checkups Are a Must

Routine dental visits are key to keeping your bonded teeth in great shape. Your dentist will examine the bonding for any signs of wear, chipping, or discoloration. They can polish the bonding to restore its original luster and catch any issues before they become serious.

Professional cleanings are also more thorough than what you can achieve at home. They help prevent plaque buildup that could affect the bonding. It’s generally recommended to visit your dentist every six months, but your specific needs may vary.

Know When to Get a Touch-Up

Even with the best care, teeth bonding is not permanent. On average, bonding can last anywhere from three to ten years depending on your oral habits and the location of the bonded tooth. If the bonding starts to discolor, chip, or wear down, your dentist can perform a touch-up or reapply the resin.

Teeth Bonding in Arlington Heights, IL

At AH Smiles, we are dedicated to helping you maintain your smile. We offer a range of cosmetic dentistry treatment options that could help improve the appearance of your teeth. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more.