While having healthy teeth must be our priority, having a beautiful smile is also important. A beautiful smile can affect one’s self-esteem and confidence. That is why a lot of dentists nowadays, focus on finding new ways to makeover smiles and improve the way our teeth look. In this article, we talk about having bonded teeth, the advantages, and the process as well as related post-maintenance tips.

What is tooth bonding?

Dental bonding, also known as composite bonding, is a modern and versatile dental treatment that can be used in different cases. This is a fast, easy, and pain-free treatment that can be done in a short time. During this process, a tooth-coloured resin material is placed on teeth for multiple cosmetic purposes such as enhancing smiles, filling gaps, repairing cracks, and in general enhancing teeth size, shape, and colour. It is worth mentioning that tooth bonding is often suggested to patients with generally healthy teeth who want them to look better. Therefore, a dentist has to decide whether or not you are a good candidate for this treatment.

What are the advantages of tooth bonding?

Most importantly your teeth do not need a lot of prior preparation so it will not take a long time and can be done during a single appointment. On the other hand, if you ever want to remove composites, it is possible with little to zero damage to your natural teeth structure. It is also a pain-free procedure that is much cheaper than similar treatments such as veneers. Composite bonding can also protect your teeth structure from cavities so that you will need fewer root or crown treatments.

What is the procedure for teeth bonding?

Once your dentist confirms that you can be a good candidate for teeth bonding treatment, the preparation starts. You might need very little or no preparation at all based on your teeth condition. Later the teeth surface is cleaned and layers of composite resin are applied. Finally, it is shaped and formed in a way that looks most like your natural teeth.

How to take care of bonded teeth?

What is more important than the process of bonding is how you take care of bonded teeth afterwards. Composite bonding can remain from 3 to 7 years which depends on how well you follow maintenance tips.

Avoid teeth grinding

Teeth grinding while sleeping is so common, and although there are a lot of causes, most people clench their teeth when they are under intense stress. When you visit a dental office, the dentist will check for signs of teeth grinding, and if you wake up with a sore jaw in the morning, it could be a sign of teeth clenching.

Wear Mouth guard while sleeping

You can wear a night guard to prevent any possible damage to the tooth bonding. The mouth guard will protect the bonding material from cracking or abrasion. Wear mouth guard while sleeping to protect against damage caused by teeth grinding or clenching. Mouthguards can be custom-made or purchased. If you grind your teeth, a mouth guard is the best way to mitigate damage to your bonded teeth. However, a poor-fitting mouth guard may lead to greater problems like jaw pain and soreness.

Keep your teeth clean

Stick to your mouth hygiene habits to prevent cavities and reduce teeth bonding stains. You need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss every day. Flossing will remove plaque and excess food that you might not be able to remove by brushing your teeth. Your dentist might also ask you to use an oral rinse according to your condition.

Be careful with your diet

You have to minimize the amount of sugar in your diet because it can change the PH level in your mouth and hurt your bonded teeth. Tea and coffee can also stain your teeth specially bonded ones so try to drink less and make sure to clean your teeth afterwards.

Avoid smoking and alcoholic drinks

Smoking and using tobacco products increase the possibility of stains on your bonded teeth and reduce their durability. On the other hand, alcoholic drinks can dissolve bonding materials and decrease their resilience. It does not mean occasional alcoholic beverages can damage your bonded teeth yet constant drinking can cause problems.

Avoid biting and chewing hard and sticky food

Bonded teeth are strong and do not easily break. However, to avoid potential cracks do not directly bite extremely hard things such as nuts. Sticky foods such as gummies can stick around your teeth and remove bonding material. This is especially true about front bonded teeth.

Stop biting your nails

It is said that biting your nails can even destroy your natural teeth enamel and cause other oral problems. Since bonded teeth are not as strong as your natural teeth, you need to stop biting your nails as it can ruin your smile.

Keep an eye on your bonded teeth

After all, bonded teeth are less resilient than your natural teeth and need constant care. You need to be careful and sensitive about any changes in your bonded teeth. If you feel any cracks, rough spots, or pain you must visit your dentist as soon as possible.

Find an affordable dentist and visit him regularly

No matter how closely you take care of your teeth, you need to find an affordable dentist and see him regularly if your general teeth health is fine. Cavities can sometimes occur without any sign of pain so you need an expert to check on your teeth. Moreover, bonded teeth need to be polished and restored from time to time. These treatments need professional tools and an experienced dentist to clean and restore your bonded teeth properly.

Choose a proper toothbrush and toothpaste

Once you get your teeth bonded you are not allowed to use any type of toothpaste or toothbrush. Some kinds of toothpaste might deteriorate composite material and others might stain. Therefore, make sure to consult your dentist before using any toothpaste. You must also use soft-bristled toothbrushes since rough ones can hurt your bonded teeth. Moreover, you should not brush your teeth in a rough way and put too much force on your teeth. Make sure to brush gently and smoothly.

Conclusion

Having healthy teeth and a beautiful smile is everyone’s dream. Modern dental treatments allow us to achieve this dream through different procedures such as teeth bonding. While teeth bonding sounds like a very persuasive, easy, and fast process to achieve our perfect smile, you should always consult an experienced dentist before making any decision. Remember that having healthy teeth is way more important than a beautiful smile. Having considered all aspects of this cosmetic dental treatment, you have to be well aware of the necessity of taking care of your bonded teeth after treatment. Bonded teeth are less resilient than your natural teeth and need constant care. To best take of your bonded teeth, make sure to follow our tips and get help from trusted experts to maintain your smile for a longer period.