If you have a tooth or teeth that have chips, uneven wear, deep stains, or other flaws that have been corrected with dental bonding, you probably want to keep your treatment looking and working great for as long as possible. The good news is that this durable, natural looking tooth restoration method can last for five or more years with proper care. Here are a few helpful tips to extend its life and get the most of your new smile!
Watch Your Diet
Although it is durable and very natural looking, your dental bonding isn’t completely stain proof. Thus, you should avoid heavy consumption of deeply pigmented foods like coffee, red wine, and chocolate. You can still enjoy these items, just be sure to do so in moderation, and make sure that you’re drinking plenty of water alongside them. Should your natural teeth become discolored and become a different shade than your bonding, speak to your dentist about professional whitening. Although the bonding itself cannot be whitened, your teeth may be able to be brought back to the same shade as your restorations. For best results, speak to your dentist about getting professional whitening before your bonding treatment, so your restorations can be matched to your ideal shade of white.
Maintain Your Smile
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is essential to ensure your smile lasts a lifetime. This means you should brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss daily. Because your dental bonding cannot be lightened with whitening toothpastes or products, your dentist recommends you use a non-abrasive gel toothpaste on any restorations.
Use Teeth Properly
Your teeth were designed to help break down food for you to eat. Not to open packaging, bite your fingernails, or gnaw on pen caps during stressful meetings. Thus, be sure to only use them (whether they’ve been treated or not) on food, and avoid eating anything too hard or sticky like ice cubes and hard candies. If you grind your teeth (bruxism), speak to your dentist about having a custom mouthguard made to help alleviate pressure on your jaw and protect your teeth from damage.
Visit the Dentist
Finally, don’t forget to see your dentist twice a year for your regular, biannual exam and cleaning appointments. These are your opportunities to make sure your mouth is healthy and stop any potential problems in their tracks. Although dental bonding uses the same material that your dentist uses for tooth-colored fillings, it will not make your teeth immune to cavities and decay, so maintaining an excellent oral hygiene routine including regular dental visits is still essential to protect your smile!
Remember, dental bonding can correct a variety of tooth flaws and damage in one easy, convenient, affordable treatment. To ensure that your new smile lasts as long as possible, follow the above tips and you’ll be flashing that gorgeous grin for years to come!
About Our Practice
At Biologic Dentistry, we take a holistic approach to oral health care. We are proud to offer a variety of treatments that are not only effective, but safe for you and your smile. If you have teeth that need repair from damage such as chips, uneven wear, or deep discoloration, dental bonding may be right for you. To learn more about this treatment, schedule a consultation today on our website, or call us directly at 770-426-9994.