How Long Does Tooth Bonding Last?

Tooth bonding is a popular and effective option for fixing chipped, damaged, or discoloured teeth. But if you’re considering this treatment, one question likely comes to mind: how long does it actually last?

Tooth bonding can last 3-10 years with proper care and attention. Arming yourself with the knowledge of how to keep your teeth strong and healthy will help you keep smiling for many years.

What Is Tooth Bonding?

Tooth bonding is a restorative and cosmetic dental procedure that uses composite resin to repair and enhance your teeth. It’s a versatile, minimally invasive solution perfect for addressing a variety of issues, like:

• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Small gaps between teeth
• Surface discolouration or staining
• Uneven or misshapen teeth

During the procedure, your dentist applies a tooth-coloured resin to the affected area and then hardens it with UV light. This creates an additional layer on your tooth that feels and functions like natural, protective tooth enamel.

The best part? Tooth bonding is quick and painless. It can usually be completed in just one appointment, leaving your teeth looking healthier as soon as you leave the office.

How Long Does Tooth Bonding Last?

Tooth bonding typically lasts between 3 and 10years, but proper care can often remain effective for longer than a decade. Several factors can impact how long your bonding lasts, including:

• Your oral hygiene habits
• Lifestyle choices (e.g., grinding your teeth, eating hard foods, drinking staining drinks)
• The location of the bonded tooth (those at the front of your mouth are often less exposed to chewing forces than those at the back)
• The overall quality of the bonding material used by your dentist

Remember that dental bonding’s longevity also depends on routine checkups and assessments performed by your dentist.

What Can Cause Dental Bonding to Wear Out?

While bonding is designed to be durable, it’s not immune to wear and tear. Here are some common factors that can shorten its lifespan:

Poor Oral Hygiene

Neglecting to brush and floss regularly allows plaque and bacteria to build up, leading to tooth decay that can weaken both your natural teeth and bonded areas, specifically in cracks and spaces where food can get stuck.

High-Acidity Foods

Foods like citrus fruits, vinegar-based dressings, and carbonated sodas can erode the composite resin.

Habits That Stress the Teeth

Chewing on ice, fingernails, or hard candies, as well as teeth grinding (bruxism), can damage the surface of the bonding.

Staining Agents

Like natural teeth, bonded surfaces are susceptible to discolouration from excessive coffee, tea, dark pop, red wine, or cigarette smoke exposure.

Tips to Make Your Tooth Bonding Last Longer

The good news is that you have control over many of the factors affecting the longevity of your dental bonding. Here’s what you can do to help make it last longer:

Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once daily to minimize plaque build-up and protect the integrity of the bonding.

Avoid Harsh Food & Drink

Cut back on acidic foods, hard snacks, and staining beverages, or rinse your mouth with water immediately after consuming them.

Address Bruxism

If you grind your teeth, consider asking your dentist about a custom-fitted night guard to protect the bonding and natural teeth.

Regular Dental Checkups

Be sure to schedule routine dental visits every 6 months. During checkups, your dentist can assess the condition of your bonding and make any necessary adjustments to keep your teeth in great shape.

Protect Your Teeth During Sports

If you play contact sports, wearing a mouthguard can protect bonded teeth from sudden impact, reducing the risk of bonding or natural teeth damage.

What Happens if Dental Bonding Gets Damaged?

Even with proper care, dental bonding can sometimes chip or wear down. Fortunately, fixing it is straightforward. If your bonding becomes damaged, your dentist can touch it by applying more resin, hardening it, and polishing the area to blend seamlessly with your natural tooth. This simple repair can be completed during a standard appointment.

Is Tooth Bonding Right for You?

If you’re dealing with chipped, discoloured, or uneven teeth, tooth bonding is an excellent option to restore your smile's function and appearance. It’s a cost-effective treatment that allows for natural, lasting results with minimal invasiveness.

Are you unsure if this treatment is the perfect fit for your needs? At McKenzie Towne Family Dental, we’re here to help! Our team prioritizes patient care and will take the time to explain all your options so you can choose a solution that works best for your unique situation.

Take the first step toward the smile you’ve always wanted. Contact us to book your consultation and see if tooth bonding is the right solution.