Dental bonding can last up to 10 years. But that depends on how you take care of your bonded teeth.

Tooth bonding is a quick, affordable method to fix chipped, discolored, and misaligned teeth. You can improve your smile in one office visit without needing more complex dental interventions, such as crowns. But once you get teeth bonded, you’ll want to maintain their durability and appearance as long as possible.

In general, tooth bonding lasts anywhere between three to 10 years. But how long the bonding remains intact depends on caring for your bonded and natural teeth.

What is tooth bonding?

First, let’s briefly go over tooth bonding. Tooth bonding corrects minor dental issues, such as chipped, crooked, or misshapen teeth. It can also fill in gaps between teeth. In some instances, tooth bonding can treat gum disease by covering up exposed roots. Tooth bonding can protect or repair damage from nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism). However, you may not be a candidate for tooth bonding if you have more serious dental or orthodontic conditions.

The bonding material is made of a composite resin matched to your tooth color. Before administering the bonding, your dentist will smooth the tooth’s surface with a special drill and then apply a liquid to help the bonding material stick to the tooth. Finally, the bonding agent is applied to the tooth. Your dentist will harden the bonding material with a special light and shape the bonded tooth to fit your bite and surrounding teeth. The process usually takes no more than an hour. 

Taking care of your bonded teeth

Tooth bonding can last longer with proper care and by following good dental hygiene practices, such as:

Avoid biting on hard objects. Biting down on hard objects like pencils and fingernails can easily chip the bonded tooth. This is especially true if the bonding material covers the tooth’s chewing surface. 

Avoid staining foods and liquids. Highly pigmented foods and beverages can stain the bonded tooth. Avoid drinking coffee, tea, and wine to maintain the brightness of the bonding material. Try to limit consumption of acidic and sugary foods, too.

Quit smoking. Tobacco is another stain producer, so quit the cigarette habit for healthier, whiter, and stronger teeth (and for your overall health!).

Wear a mouthguard. A mouthguard can protect the bonded teeth from damage if you grind your teeth at night.

Brush and floss daily. Brush and floss your bonded teeth as you would your natural teeth. When you brush, use a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive toothpaste with fluoride.

Visit your dentist regularly. Regular dental visits can spot and quickly treat any cavities or other dental problems. Your dentist may also be able to repair or replace any damaged tooth bonding.

Tooth bonding can fix minor dental issues at less cost than veneers and crowns. As with any dental procedure, talk to your dentist about bonding and whether it’s the right choice.

Get your smile back

Schedule an appointment at Espire’s Oklahoma City, OK, location today! Our highly trained dentists are experts in tooth bonding and can give you back your smile. Don’t live near our Oklahoma City office? Find one of our other locations near you.

Oklahoma City, OK
12448 St Andrews Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73120