Signs Your Dental Bonding Needs to Be Replaced

Dental bonding and contouring can be a fantastic solution for patients with minor cosmetic dental imperfections who aren't ready, willing, or able to undertake a more extensive treatment plan. With composite bonding and contouring, patients can address issues like a chipped tooth, gaps between teeth, uneven teeth, and more in a same-day visit. While the results of dental bonding may last up to eight years or longer, it is important to keep in mind that bonding and contouring are not meant to be lifelong solutions and are not as durable as other restorations, like crowns and veneers.

If you notice your composite bonding starting to chip, crack, feel rough, or become discolored, it may be time to have a repeat treatment. Still, with proper care, dental composite bonding can be a great option. Here, NYC dentist Dr. Ellen Katz of Maison BE Dental Studio shares additional signs that dental bonding may need to be redone, as well as general information on what to expect with dental bonding and contouring.

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding and contouring is a cosmetic dental treatment that aims to correct mild and/or minor surface concerns in a quicker, more convenient, and more affordable way than some of the more extensive and involved procedures available today. For a dental bonding or contouring treatment, no preparation (tooth removal) is required, which is another advantage of bonding vs. certain restorations. With dental bonding and contouring, a composite resin is applied directly to the tooth and meticulously shaped and altered by Dr. Katz to create a natural look that blends seamlessly with the affected and adjacent teeth. Bonding and contouring can be highly effective at concealing an array of cosmetic dental issues, including:

• Chipped tooth
• Cracked tooth
• Gap between teeth
• Short teeth
• Uneven tooth length

How long does dental bonding last?

Patients should have realistic expectations for their composite bonding and understand that the resin is not as durable as porcelain and other materials used in veneers, crowns, and various dental restorations. Additionally, dental composite material may be more susceptible to staining, especially in the first 48 hours after application. However, with proper care and hygiene, along with extra precautions, dental bonding and contouring can last 4 – 8 years or longer. Some helpful tips for maintaining composite bonding include:

• Avoid staining foods and beverages, particularly in the first few days after treatment
• Avoid hard, sticky, crunchy, or gummy foods and candies
• Do not chew ice
• Do not bite your fingernails
• Use a fork and knife (instead of biting directly into foods) when possible
• Do not use your teeth as tools
• Brush, floss, and rinse as directed (and with recommended products)

How do I know if my dental bonding needs to be replaced?

After several years, or following trauma or incident, you may need to have your composite bonding revised, repaired, or repeated. Some of the signs that dental bonding is wearing out include:

• Chips or cracks in composite resin
• Composite material missing
• Dental bonding feels rough, thin, or sharp
• Composite resin starts to appear translucent or discolored
• Your dental bonding is more than ten years old

If you think you may need repeat dental bonding, or if you simply want to have your previous dental work evaluated to determine whether any revisions are needed, don't hesitate to call our friendly team to schedule an appointment with Dr. Katz.

Get same day cosmetic dental work with composite dental bonding in New York, NY

If you aren't interested in the multiple appointments required for dental veneers and other restorations, or if you simply prefer a quicker fix for minor dental flaws that can still provide almost a decade of enjoyment, composite dental bonding and contouring may be right for you. Get started with dental bonding in NYC today by contacting Maison BE Dental Studio to schedule your consultation with Dr. Ellen Katz to learn more.