How long does dental bonding last?

Has your dentist mentioned dental bonding to you? Our Southwood Dental Studio - Fanshawe dentists discuss the benefits of dental bonding and how long you can expect your dental bonding to last. 

What is dental bonding and what does it do?

When you are undergoing the dental bonding process, your dentist will work on your tooth surfaces, effectively repairing any chips, decay, fractures or discolouration by applying a tooth-coloured composite resin.

Your dentist will use this resin to fill any gaps left by a cavity, this in turn can help to change the appearance of your teeth and can make them appear longer. Because of this, the appearance of your teeth before and after dental bonding can change significantly.

How long can I expect dental bonding to last?

Typically patients can expect the results of dental bonding to last 4 to 8 years depending on various factors such as:

• How effectively you care for your teeth including routine at-home and professional dental care
• Which area of the mouth you have dental bonding in
• Whether you attend your regularly scheduled dental appointments (twice each year)
• Your overall choices in diet

The better you care for your teeth, the longer your dental bonding should last. It's important to 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.

It is also important to refrain from chewing or biting down on anything that is hard such as ice, hard candy, as well as grinding your teeth, all of which can chip the bonding material.

And of course, maintaining a consistent and thorough oral hygiene routine is of utmost importance. The healthier the natural tooth material around the bonding material remains, the longer the restoration will last.

What is the expected outcome with dental bonding?

If after your examination both you and your dentist decide that dental bonding is right for you, you may experience the following benefits:

Changes in the appearance of teeth: Dental bonding is able to 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: 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 are the costs associated with dental bonding?

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)

Are you interested in learning more about dental bonding? Contact the London dentists at Southwood Dental Studio - Fanshawe to book an appointment, or find another Southwood location near you.