Can Dental Bonding Last Forever? And Other Burning Questions

If you have ever considered investing in your smile with dental bonding, your first question is likely, “How long does tooth bonding last?” As you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of all your cosmetic dentistry options, we’ve got the answers you need!

We get many questions about the dental bonding process. To help you decide if it’s right for you, we’ve compiled this short guide to dental bonding with answers to some of the most common queries about this sought-after procedure.

“How Long Does Tooth Bonding Last?”: Questions About Dental Bonding

What is dental bonding and who should get it?

Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure used to restore chipped teeth, fill in spaces, repair decayed teeth, and whiten your smile. Your dentist applies a composite resin to your teeth, which is then hardened and shaped, changing the appearance of your teeth. The resin looks and feels like your real teeth. It’s ideal for people who want to enhance their healthy teeth without undergoing an extensive procedure.

But how long does tooth bonding last? With proper care, you can expect your tooth bonding to last 5-10 years before it needs a touch-up or replacement.

How long does it take to apply bonding?

Applying bonding takes approximately 30-60 minutes per tooth. Unlike some other cosmetic dentistry options, bonding requires little advance preparation. Anesthesia is only necessary if the dentist needs to repair tooth decay.

Before the procedure, the dentist matches the resin to your tooth color (or desired tooth color) using a shade guide. The tooth surface is roughened and conditioned to ensure the bonding easily adheres to the tooth. The resin is then molded and shaped to the desired appearance and hardened with UV light. After the tooth is hardened and polished, the bonding is complete!

What’s the difference between veneers and bonding?

Veneers and bonding have similar purposes but are actually quite different. Veneers improve your tooth appearance by adhering plastic or porcelain shells to the front of your teeth. Veneers are made in dental laboratories using molds and take more than one visit to complete.

Another big difference between bonding and veneers is their longevity. While veneers are more expensive (about $900-2500 per tooth), they last about 10-15 years longer than bonding. Veneers are also much harder to stain. However, because of the cost and time commitment, bonding is a common alternative to veneers.

How do I care for my bonded teeth?

Some patients ask, “Does tooth bonding break easily?” or “Does dental bonding fall off?” Although bonding can break, you should not have any problems as long as you take care of your teeth. You can avoid problems with your dental bonding and increase its lifespan if you:

• Avoid biting into hard foods, especially crunchy or chewy candies.
• Be wary of eating too many acidic foods, like vinegar or pineapple, as they can damage the bonding over time.
• Do not contact the bonding with metal objects, like paper clips or pen caps, that can scratch the bonding.
• Avoid picking at the bonding, especially within the first few days.

And while the answer to “Can dental bonding last forever?” is usually “no,” if you continue to practice good oral hygiene and brush and floss regularly, as well as visit your dentist, your bonding will look great for many years.

For more information about dental bonding, and other cosmetic dentistry options, contact Penn Dental Family Practice for an appointment. We will help you get the smile you want!