Dr Nikita Mehta

Is Dental Bonding Permanent?

Dental bonding is a great way to improve the appearance of your teeth because it’s fast, painless, and provides natural results.

Whether you have a cracked tooth or you are dealing with discolouration, this cosmetic solution can be just what you need.

But once you get your teeth bonded, you may be wondering: is dental bonding permanent?

Will you be able to enjoy the fantastic results of dental bonding for a lifetime or will you have to redo the procedure?

The answer?

Dental bonding is long-lasting, but not a fully permanent procedure.

With proper care and maintenance, it can last for up to 5 -7 years.

Some bad oral habits can damage or reduce the life span of the composite bonding, so it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid risk factors.

Why isn’t dental bonding permanent in some cases?

Dental bonding is the application of either porcelain or composite bonding on the damaged tooth.

Although these two materials are strong, they aren’t as durable as your natural enamel, which is why they will damage or stain over time.

How can I maintain dental bonding?

When you leave the dentist’s office with a perfect, pearly-white smile, you want to enjoy it for as long as possible, so here’s what you need to do to expand the lifespan of dental bonding:

• Avoid putting pressure on the bonded tooth: don’t open food packing with your teeth, don’t bite your fingernails and don’t chew pen caps.
• Don’t bite down on hard candy, ice cubes, or crunchy foods in general.
• To prevent staining, avoid coloured foods and drinks such as red wine, coffee, and tea.
• Give up smoking; tobacco is one of the main culprits behind tooth stains.
• Brush your teeth twice a day with non-abrasive toothpaste and schedule a professional cleaning every six months.

What other factors can influence the lifespan of dental bonding?

Apart from oral hygiene and eating habits, there are a few other aspects that may influence the lifespan of dental bonding without you realising it:

• An imperfect bite. Because the composite bond isn’t as strong as enamel, an imperfect bite will put too much strain on the structure and cause it to wear down sooner than usual.
• Teeth grinding. If you have a history of grinding your teeth at night, you should wear a mouthguard. Not only will this prevent damage to the bond, but also other dental problems, such as jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, and tooth cracking.
• The location of the bonding. Dental bonding at the edge of your tooth or on the front teeth is likelier to crack.

Can tooth bonding be replaced?

Tooth bonding can last for up 5 to 7 years if you follow the recommended oral health practices, but some accidents, such as biting down on hard foods, can shorten its lifespan.

Damaged tooth bonding can be uncomfortable, so you have to take action immediately.

So, can tooth bonding be replaced?

Yes, tooth bonding can be replaced and this is, in fact, a quick and painless procedure.

When should you replace Tooth Bonding?

If you are no longer happy with the way your dental bonding looks now, you can see your dentist for a replacement.

For example, if you notice that the bonding composite has become stained or discoloured, a replacement can restore your glowing Hollywood smile and boost your confidence.

Unlike staining and discolouration, which are aesthetic concerns and not dental emergencies, a crack in your tooth bonding needs to be addressed as quickly as possible to prevent failure of restoration or leaking and decay.

A professional dentist will carefully examine the chipped tooth, clean the area, and replace the bonding material with a new one.

If you can’t get to the dentist right away, follow these steps to reduce the risk of infection:

• Avoid swallowing the chipped bonding material
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water

Tooth bonding replacement options

When it’s time to replace your tooth bonding, you can choose from two options:

• You can replace the old bonding with a new composite resin that matches the natural shade of your teeth. The procedure is quick and painless and can be completed in a couple of dental visits¹. Composite resin isn’t as strong as your natural teeth, but with proper care and maintenance, you can count on it for many years.
• You can opt for an indirect restoration, which can be more durable and can last for more than 10 years. Veneers or dental crowns are an excellent long-term solution, but keep in mind that placing a dental crown requires more than one dentist appointment.

No matter why you want to replace your tooth bonding, it is important to take action.

There are many professional solutions out there, and a consultation with your dentist will help you choose the one that matches your needs and lifestyle.