Want to know how long dental bonding lasts? Our Abbotsford dentists answer this question — and address inquiries about how the process works, financial considerations and alternatives.
What is dental bonding?
The dentist will apply tooth-coloured composite resin to the surfaces of teeth during the dental bonding process, effectively repairing discolouration, decay, fractures or chips.
The bonding material helps to fill gaps left by a cavity, can help improve the appearance of your teeth and can make them look longer. All of these changes result in a significant change in the appearance of your teeth when they're compared side-by-side, before and after.
How long does dental bonding last?
The effects of dental bonding typically last for 4 to 8 years, and potentially longer, depending on a few factors:
- How well you care for your teeth (by maintaining a thorough oral hygiene routine including daily brushing and flossing)
- Which areas of your mouth are bonded
- Whether you attend your regularly scheduled dental appointments (twice each year)
- Your dietary choices
How well you care for your teeth is an important factor when it comes to forecasting how long your dental bonding will last. Avoid sugary or acidic foods, as these can wear on your teeth. If you enjoy fruit, brush and floss your teeth soon after eating so bacteria or plaque do not have the chance to develop.
Also avoid chewing ice, hard candy, grinding your teeth or biting down too hard, all of which can chip the bonding material.
Of course, maintaining a consistent and thorough oral hygiene routine is essential. If the natural tooth material around the bonding material is healthy, the restoration will last longer.
What are the benefits of dental bonding?
If you choose dental bonding to improve the appearance of your smile, you may experience the following benefits:
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)