Tooth bonding is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that could transform the look of your smile in just one visit. It’s commonly used to repair chipped, discolored, or slightly misaligned teeth using a tooth-colored resin material that’s shaped and hardened with a special light. While bonding is less invasive and more affordable than other cosmetic treatments, it isn’t permanent and does require ongoing care to keep it looking its best. Understanding how to properly maintain your tooth bonding can help ensure its longevity and preserve the natural beauty of your smile.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
The foundation of maintaining any dental treatment, including bonding, is consistent oral hygiene. Brushing at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste helps keep both your natural teeth and the bonded areas clean and healthy. Flossing daily is equally important, as it removes plaque and food particles between teeth and near the gum line that brushing can’t reach. Though bonding material doesn’t decay, the tooth underneath still can, so keeping your mouth clean reduces the risk of cavities that could compromise your dental work. Regular use of an antibacterial mouthwash can also help keep bacteria at bay and maintain a fresh mouth.
Watch What You Eat and Drink
Tooth bonding is strong, but it’s not as durable as natural enamel or materials used in crowns and veneers. This means you’ll need to be mindful of what you eat. Biting into hard foods like ice, hard candies, or even fingernails can chip or break the bonding. Chewing on pens or using your teeth to open packages is also risky.
Dark-colored beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, and soda can stain bonding resin over time. Unlike natural enamel, bonded material is more porous and doesn’t respond to whitening treatments. It’s best to limit your intake of these drinks or use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth. If you do consume something that could stain your teeth, rinse your mouth or brush soon after.
Avoid Smoking and Other Staining Habits
Smoking is one of the quickest ways to discolor bonded teeth. Nicotine and tar can turn the resin yellow or brown, making the bonding noticeably different from the surrounding enamel. If you’ve invested in cosmetic bonding to improve your smile, it makes sense to avoid habits that could reverse that improvement. Quitting smoking not only helps your dental work last longer but also significantly improves your overall oral and physical health.
Schedule Regular Dental Visits
Routine check-ups with your dentist are essential for maintaining your bonding treatment. During these visits, your dentist can examine the bonded areas for signs of wear, discoloration, or damage. If the bonding has chipped or begun to separate from the tooth, early detection allows for easy repair before it becomes a more significant issue. Your dentist can also polish the bonded teeth during professional cleanings, helping to keep them smooth and free of surface stains. This polishing enhances both the appearance and longevity of the bonding material.
Be Mindful of Grinding and Clenching
If you grind your teeth at night, it can cause premature wear or damage to the bonded areas. Let your dentist know if you suspect you grind or clench your teeth, as they may recommend a night guard to protect your smile while you sleep. Addressing grinding early not only protects the bonded teeth but also preserves the overall health of your bite and jaw joints.
Tooth Bonding in Payette, ID
At Payette Dental, we are dedicated to helping our patients both achieve and maintain healthier smiles. If you have minor damage or cosmetic concerns, tooth bonding may be able to help. And with proper care, you could enjoy your new smile for years to come. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.