How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?
The life expectancy of your dental bonding treatment will depend on a range of variables, like the total amount of dental bonding applied, the location in your mouth and your personal oral hygiene habits. First, let us look at why you might consider dental bonding, what you can expect from this simple procedure, the benefits of having dental bonding applied and the duration you might be looking at.
Some Reasons for Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is essentially a cosmetic dental procedure. It is not like treating a cavity, plaque buildup or a painful infection. Dental bonding is an elective procedure, with a goal to improve the quality of your smile. Your perception of the appearance of your smile has an unexpected influence on your quality of life. Research has proven that if you believe you have a healthy smile it plays a dramatic role in several facets of your life. Your smile directly impacts your personality and is foundational when it comes to your levels of self-esteem and self-confidence. If you have a cracked or chipped tooth, if you have a broken tooth or if some teeth have become permanently stained, dental bonding corrects these imperfections and improves your smile. It can close an unwanted gap between two front teeth, and it will also cover up sensitively exposed roots from gums that are receding.
The Dental Bonding Procedure
A simple and quick procedure that can be completed in an hour, your dentist seldom needs to apply any local anesthesia. The tooth or teeth to be improved will have the enamel surface lightly roughed up and then a conditioning liquid or gel is applied. Once you and your dentist pick the proper shade of white to match your natural teeth the actual dental bonding process begins. A putty-like composite resin is applied to the area of the tooth or teeth to be treated. It is then sculpted, shaped, and smoothed as your dentist desires. The material is hardened and cured with an ultraviolet light and polishing finishes the treatment. In one hour, you have a restored tooth or teeth.
The Benefits of Dental Bonding
One dental appointment and you can dramatically change your smile. The treatment is fast and affordable regarding the benefits. The dental bonding material is not as durable as your natural teeth so it can chip if you chew on ice, a pencil, or your fingernails. You also need to be aware that the dental bonding can stain from smoking, red wine, coffee, or tea.
The Life Expectancy of Dental Bonding
The normal life expectancy of your dental bonding can range from three years to ten years. This will depend on whether you have had one just tooth treated or several teeth. It depends on your at home oral hygiene habits and if you watch and even limit some unhealthy habits. Your dentist can apply over time some small touchups and repairs to improve your dental bonding restoration. You should continue your routine dental exams every six months so your dentist can monitor your entire oral health in addition to your dental bonding restoration.
