If you’ve ever had a minor chip or crack in your teeth, you’ve probably had your smile restored with dental bonding. This tooth-colored, moldable resin can quickly and easily protect damaged pearly whites or conceal stubborn staining. Once it’s in place, you’d probably prefer it to last as long as possible so you can continue enjoying your seamless aesthetics.
As it turns out, the best way to ensure your bonding lasts for years to come is to take good care of it! Here’s what the maintenance should look like.
Avoid Strong Pigments
This has more to do with the cosmetics of your bonding material. Like natural enamel, tooth-colored resin is more likely to become stained if you frequently consume foods and drinks with strong pigments. Curry, red wine, coffee, tea, soy sauce, and almost anything with tomatoes are all excellent examples of what you should avoid.
Be Careful of What You Eat
Similarly, overly hard foods will wear down your bonding much faster – or cause it to deteriorate altogether. You should be careful when munching on jawbreakers, ice cubes, popcorn kernels, and other extreme crunchies. Or, better yet, avoid eating them altogether and reduce your risk of a full-blown dental emergency!
Brush and Floss Regularly
Routine oral hygiene is just as important for your dental bonding as it is for your natural enamel. If bacteria buildup leads to cavities, for example, your bonding won’t have anything to hold on to. Brushing your teeth twice per day and flossing at least once daily will also help prevent food pigments from staining your smile.
Visit Your Dentist Biannually
Finally, scheduling a dental checkup and cleaning with your dentist every six months will go a long way towards maintaining your dental bonding. This way, your dentist can help you monitor your bonding and provide advice for taking good care of it. They’ll also scrub the plaque and tartar from your teeth, which is just as harmful as “normal” bacteria but harder to remove with a simple toothbrush.
Fortunately, promoting your dental bonding’s longevity isn’t exactly rocket science! With just a bit more mindfulness, you can help it go the distance and continue to support your smile.
About the Practice
Our experienced dental team at Distinctive Dentistry by Mullens & Nguyen is wholly dedicated to making sure you’re satisfied with your treatment results. This includes helping you maintain your results long after you leave the office! If you’d like more tips and tricks for promoting the longevity of your dental bonding (or any other type of dental work), please don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling 904-585-2336 or by requesting an appointment online.