How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?

Dentists have been using composite dental bonding to restore teeth and change their appearance for years. Composite bonding can be tended to match the shade of your natural teeth and is pliable and does not require the loss of any tooth structure. Composite bonding is not invasive and often does not require the use of any anesthetic. if you are considering composite bonding, you may want to inquire about having your teeth whitened before bonding to get the best, brightest results you can!

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding involves the application of a composite resin material onto the surface of the tooth. It is used to restore a tooth after decay has been removed and to repair a gap between teeth or a chipped tooth. Dental bonding can be tinted to match your natural tooth color.

What are veneers?

Veneers can be made from porcelain or composite resin. A porcelain veneer is fabricated by a dental lab and adhered to the entire surface of the front of a tooth.

Porcelain is a stronger and more durable option but it is also more expensive. Porcelain will last much longer than composite, easily 20 years and are generally a better investment. Porcelain veneers will require more than one visit where is composite veneers can generally be done in one day.

Porcelain veneers require impressions to be taken and sent to a dental lab for fabrication.

At your first visit, your dentist will prepare your tooth by shaving down a millimeter or two of enamel to allow space for the veneer to fit over the tooth and uses temporary cement to adhere the provisional veneer until your permanent veneer is back from the lab!

Once the veneers are back from the lab, they will have you come in for delivery.

Composite veneers are not as strong as porcelain but provide immediate results. They also do not require the loss of any tooth structure since the composite material is applied directly over the front tooth surface. A composite veneer has the potential to last up to seven years.

Making Composite Bonding Last

While composite is never going to last as long as porcelain, it is important that you maintain a good oral hygiene routine and continue regular visits to your dentist to make either investment last as long as possible. Your dentist can ensure that your composite is holding up and repair it when necessary. All dental restorations can last even longer with the regular and consistent use of a nightguard. A night guard simply ask as a buffer between your teeth during the night while you sleep, probably grinding or clenching your teeth! This nightly bruxism is a common cause for chips and cracks in teeth, composite is just as susceptible.

While porcelain is significantly more durable, it is important to take the same precautions that you do with the composite. A night guard will protect your veneers and teeth. If your veneer should ever come off, get to your dentist as soon as possible to have it re-affixed.

Once your composite or porcelain restorations have been completed, practicing good oral hygiene and smart daily habits will help expand the life of your restoration.

More on Dental Bonding : Fix Gaps with Dental Bonding