Wondering how long dental bonding lasts? Our dentist in Burnaby answers this common question — and reveals how the process works, along with sharing financial considerations and alternative treatments.
What is dental bonding?
Your dentist will apply tooth-coloured composite resin to your tooth surfaces during the dental bonding process, effectively repairing discolouration, decay, chips or fractures.
This material is used to fill gaps left by a cavity and can help improve the appearance of your teeth, making them appear longer. Needless to say, the appearance of your teeth can change significantly as a result of dental bonding.
How long will dental bonding last?
Typically, the effects of dental bonding last for between 4 and 8 years. They may last longer, depending on a few factors:
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 have been bonded
- Your dietary choices
- Whether you attend your regularly scheduled dental appointments (twice each year)
How well you care for your teeth can greatly influence how long your dental bonding lasts. Avoid sugary or acidic foods, as these can wear on your teeth. If you eat fruit, brush and floss your teeth soon after so bacteria and plaque do not have a chance to gain a foothold.
Aslo avoid grinding your teeth, biting too hard, or chewing hard candy or ice — all of which can chip the bonding material.
Of course, it's important to maintain a consistent and thorough oral hygiene routine. The healthier you can keep the natural tooth material around the bonding material, the longer the restoration will last.
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:
Changes appearance of teeth: Dental bonding can help adjust the colour and shape of your teeth for 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 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)