Whether it’s an accident, injury, or simply biting onto something hard and it causes a chipped or cracked tooth, when you are in need of a dental restoration, tooth bonding is often among the most economical, effective solutions. If you’re looking for tooth bonding in Gainesville or a good dentist in Gainesville, then you’re probably wondering how long does tooth bonding last and is it a good fit for your needs? Let’s discuss that.
What Is Tooth Bonding?
Tooth bonding is a type of cosmetic dental procedure where a tooth-colored resin is placed and shaped to restore the appearance and function of a tooth. Unlike veneers or crowns, bonding is a minimally invasive procedure and usually does not involve the removal of enamel. Because stomachs are often a good solution for a quick, lower-cost solution to restore the look of a chipped or cracked tooth, bonding is a great choice for patients looking not to invest in catharsis.
How Long Does Tooth Bonding Last?
The question we receive most often is, how long does tooth bonding last? Typically, it depends on a variety of factors, but generally, bonded teeth last between3 and 10 years. Factors to consider are:
- Where on the tooth the bonding is located (bonded anterior teeth generally receive more wear).
- Your oral hygiene practices.
- You may have daily habits of grinding your teeth, biting your nails, or chewing hard objects.
- The dentist’s experience and the material used.
While bonding is durable, its lifespan does not compare to veneers or crowns, which can last 10 – 20 years or longer with the proper care.
Tooth Bonding for Chipped Teeth
If you’ve chipped or cracked teeth, bonding is an awesome option to repair your smile with relative ease. The resin will blend with the tooth’s natural color, and the repair will be difficult for others to notice. Plus, the bonding can help strengthen the tooth and prevent damage. Bonding should be noted to stain and wear more readily as time goes by compared to cosmetic treatments.
Tooth Bonding vs. Veneers Durability
When weighing tooth bonding vs veneers durability, veneers usually win. Porcelain veneers have better staining resistance and can sometimes last over a decade, sometimes over 20 years. While bonding is often the less expensive option, it may need replacements or touch-ups sooner than veneers. Veneers may be the way to go, either when you want to have something very temporary, or when you want to have a long lasting, durable solution.
Maintaining Tooth Bonding
It is very important to maintain bonding so that its life can be long. Some of the recommendations on how maintaining tooth bonding are as follows:
- Brush twice and floss once a day.
- Avoid biting into very hard foods or objects such as ice or pens..
- Pay attention to the consumption of staining drinks like coffee, tea and red wine.
- See your dentist near you regularly for exams and professional cleanings.
- If you are a night grinder of your teeth, consider using a nightguard.
With the right maintenance, you can keep your bonding looking natural and remain intact for many years.
Is Tooth Bonding Right for You?
If you have a small to moderate chip or crack, tooth bonding is perfect in conjunction with cosmetic purposes such as taping teeth together, closing gaps, or reshaping teeth. If you’re looking for a minimally invasive, affordable, and fast treatment, bonding can solve your problem quickly. However, tooth bonding may not be appropriate for larger or more significant damage. Those are the situations when your dentist can prescribe veneers or crowns.
Conclusion
Tooth bonding is an easy, inexpensive and natural looking alternative to repairing chipped or broken teeth. Tooth bonding usually lasts between 3 and 10 years but can be prolonged with proper care. If you’re considering bonding, or looking at other options such as veneers, a trusted professional makes all the difference. At Georgia Smile Team, our dentist in Gainesville, has years of experience to recommend treatments to restore your smile while protecting your teeth. Schedule a consultation to see if tooth bonding is a good option for you today!
