In this blog, our Barrie dentists tell you how long dental bonding can last, and share some important details you should know about the procedure, its benefits, and associated costs.
What is dental bonding?
As part of the dental bonding process, your dentist will apply tooth-coloured composite resin to the surfaces of the tooth, to help repair fractures, chips, discolouration, or decay.
This material helps fill gaps caused by cavities, helps improve the appearance of your teeth, and can make them look longer. All in all dental bonding can significantly chance the appearance of your teeth before and after the procedure.
How long does dental bonding last?
On average the dental bonding effects last 4 to 8 years, and maybe even longer, depending on these elements:
- Your dietary choices
- Which areas of your mouth are bonded
- 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)
How long your dental bonding lasts is mostly up to how well you care for your teeth. Avoid acidic or sugary foods, as these can wear on your teeth. If you enjoy fruit, brush and floss your teeth soon after so plaque or bacteria does not have the chance to grow.
We also recommend avoiding hard candy, chewing ice, biting down too hard, or grinding your teeth because all of these can make the bonding material chip.
It's also very important to maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine. The healthier the natural tooth material around the bonding material stay, the longer your restoration will last.
The Benefits of 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 a 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: The procedure can usually be done in one visit.
Cost-effective: Sometimes, dental bonding is considered a cost-effective alternative to more extensive cosmetic dental procedures like veneers, bridges, or crowns.
Long-lasting: If you properly care for your smile you can expect the effects of dental bonding to last for 4 to 8 years, or even longer.
The Cost of Dental Bonding
Patients who ask us about dental bonding are often worried about the cost of the procedure. The cost of your specific procedure will depend on these factors:
- Scope of work, location, and size of the areas of the mouth being bonded
- The number of teeth being repaired
- How much of the procedure your insurance will cover (may depend on whether your issue is primarily cosmetic or structural)
- Your location – costs may change depending on which city and dental practice performs the procedure