Wondering about how dental bonding lasts? Our dentists in Winnipeg answer this common question - and address your questions about how the process works, financial considerations and alternatives.
What is dental bonding?
Tooth-coloured composite resin is applied to your tooth surfaces during the dental bonding process to effectively repair fractures, discolouration, chips or decay.
The bonding material helps to fill gaps left by a cavity, can change the appearance of your teeth and make them appear longer. The appearance of your teeth before and after dental bonding will change significantly.
How long does dental bonding last?
Typically, the effects of dental bonding last for 4 to 8 years. They may last longer depending on a few factors:
The effects of dental bonding typically last for 4 to 8 years, and potentially longer, depending on a few factors:
- Whether you attend your regularly scheduled dental appointments (twice each year)
- How well you care for your teeth (by maintaining a thorough oral hygiene routine including daily brushing and flossing)
- Your dietary choices
- Which areas of your mouth are bonded
How long your dental bonding lasts will depend mostly on how well you care for your teeth. Skip the sugary or acidic foods, as these can wear on your teeth. If you do eat fruit, brush and floss your teeth soon after so bacteria or plaque do not have the opportunity to grow.
Also avoid eating hard candy, chewing ice, biting down too hard or grinding your teeth, all of which can chip bonding material.
If course, it's important to maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine. The healthier the natural tooth material surrounding the bonding material remains, the longer the effects of this cosmetic procedure will last.
Why would I get dental bonding?
If you choose dental bonding to improve the appearance of your smile, you may experience the following benefits:
Changes appearance of teeth: Dental bonding can help adjust the colour and shape of your teeth for symmetrical, cohesive look.
Non-invasive: As far as cosmetic treatments go, dental bonding is relatively non-invasive and you won't require any recovery time.
Quick treatment: We can usually perform the procedure in just one visit.
Cost-effective: Dental bonding is generally considered to be a cost-effective alternative to more extensive cosmetic dental procedures such as crowns, bridges and veneers.
Long-lasting: As long as you care for your smile properly, you can expect the effects of dental bonding to last for 4 to 8 years, or longer in some cases.
What does dental bonding cost?
Patients who come to us for dental bonding procedures are often concerned about cost. Your specific cost will depend on a few factors:
- The number of teeth being repaired
- Scope of work, location and size of the areas of the mouth being bonded
- Your location – costs may change depending on which city and dental practice performs the procedure
- How much of the procedure is covered by insurance (this may depend on whether your issue is primarily structural or cosmetic)