Dental bonding is a very common procedure. For the right case, it can often be an easy, quick and relatively inexpensive solution to help improve your smile.
What are bonded teeth?
Bonded teeth are those teeth that have had a tooth-coloured resin (a durable plastic material) attached to them. This is done with the use of a special adhesive that is set with an ultraviolet light.
The bonding of a resin material to your tooth can be done for several reasons; to repair a chipped or cracked tooth, filling a tooth that has decay, improving the size, shape or colour of a tooth or to close spaces between teeth.
Do bonded teeth require special care?
Bonded teeth do not require special aftercare, however, taking care of your teeth will help extend the life of a bonded tooth.
Therefore, it is important to follow good oral hygiene practices in order to ensure that the material lasts as long as possible. Brush your teeth at least two times a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride and floss at least once per day, bringing the floss right up to the gum line. Follow a healthy diet with minimal sugar and acid intake to prevent decay and avoid or cut down on things that can stain your natural and bonded teeth such as tobacco products, tea, coffee and red wine. Also avoid things that can wear down or chip both the bonded material and natural tooth like biting fingernails, biting on pens and grinding your teeth. If you grind your teeth, have a chat with your dentist – you may need a nightguard to wear when you sleep.
Why are regular dental check-ups important?
Some dental bonding materials, despite good care, may require repair or replacement in the future. This can be due to chipping, staining or decay development around the margins of the material. That is why regular check-ups and cleans at the dentist will help catch and fix any issues as early as possible. This will ensure that you maintain a happy and healthy smile!