How long does bonding last and how do you look after it?
Bonding usually lasts between 3 and 10 years before it needs touching up or replacing, and how long it lasts depends on the location and size of the restoration, your bite and your habits. Looking after it is simple: good hygiene, regular check-ups with polishing, fewer staining drinks and no biting on hard objects.
Bonding is a cosmetic restoration in which the dentist applies composite material directly to the tooth, shapes it and hardens it with light. It is used to close small gaps, rebuild chipped edges and correct the shape of the front teeth, usually in one visit. How the procedure works at SF Dent and who it suits is on our dental bonding page.
In short:
- Average lifespan is several years, and small restorations usually last longer than large ones.
- Composite picks up stains more easily than ceramic and can chip at the edge.
- Bonding is easy to repair: most often it is polished or material is added, without removing all of it.
How many years does bonding last?
Cleveland Clinic, the US hospital, says that bonding material typically lasts between 3 and 10 years before it needs touching up or replacing. The gap between 3 and 10 years is large because many things affect the result. Bonding that closes a small gap between two teeth puts less load on the material than bonding that lengthens the whole edge of a front tooth.
So at your examination it is more useful to ask not "how long does bonding last" in general, but "how long can it last with my bite and a restoration of this size". The dentist will answer for your specific case.
What affects how long bonding lasts?
- Size and location. Small corrections on the surface of the tooth last longer than those on the biting edge, which takes the force when you bite.
- Bite. If the lower teeth hit exactly where the bonding is, it wears and chips faster.
- Tooth grinding. Bruxism puts load on every restoration. If you grind, the dentist may recommend a night guard.
- Habits. Biting nails, pens or ice, or opening packets with your teeth, chips composite.
- Diet and smoking. Coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco gradually stain the material.
- Hygiene. Plaque at the edge of the bonding leads to staining and a risk of decay underneath.
What affects how long it lasts on the day it is placed?
Part of how long bonding lasts is decided on the day of the procedure. The dentist cleans and prepares the surface so the composite bonds well, applies the material in layers and checks the bite before polishing. If after the procedure you feel that the tooth "hits" first when you close your mouth, do not wait to get used to it. Come back for a check, because that contact puts load on the edge and can lead to a chip in the first weeks. It also matters that the teeth are healthy before bonding: decay and inflamed gums are treated first.
Why does bonding darken, and can it be whitened?
Composite is more porous than ceramic and over time absorbs pigments from food and drink. Cleveland Clinic notes that the material is somewhat stain-resistant, but not as stain-resistant as porcelain restorations. Surface staining can usually be removed with professional polishing.
Whitening does not change the colour of bonding. Whitening gel works on natural enamel but not on composite. So if you are thinking of whitening your teeth, do it before the bonding. The composite shade is then matched to your new, lighter colour. If you whiten after bonding, the bonding may stay darker than your teeth and need replacing.
How do you look after bonding?
- Brush twice a day with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste. A hard brush and abrasive "whitening" toothpastes scratch composite.
- Clean between your teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes, especially around the edge of the bonding.
- Rinse your mouth with water after coffee, tea or red wine.
- Do not bite nails, pens, ice or seeds in their shells, and do not open packets with your teeth.
- If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about a night guard.
- Come for a check-up and professional cleaning at least once a year, when the bonding is polished.
When does bonding need repairing?
Call your dentist if you notice:
- a chipped piece or a rough edge you can feel with your tongue;
- a dark line where the bonding meets the tooth;
- staining that does not brush off;
- sensitivity to cold or when biting;
- a change in how your bite feels.
The advantage of bonding is that it can usually be repaired quickly. A small chip is often fixed by adding composite and polishing in one visit, without removing the whole restoration. With more wear it may be wiser to redo the bonding.
Bonding or veneers: which lasts longer?
Ceramic veneers usually last longer and keep their colour better than bonding. On the other hand they are made in a lab, cost more, and with conventional veneers a thin layer of enamel is removed. Bonding is more affordable, done directly in the mouth and easy to repair. Which is more suitable depends on the goal, the number of teeth and the bite. The two methods are compared in the article "Veneers or Bonding: Which is Right for You?", and when drilling can be avoided is covered in "No-prep veneers: when are they possible?".
How much does bonding cost at SF Dent?
On the clinic's price list bonding costs €145.00 per tooth. The final price depends on the number of teeth and the amount of work and is confirmed at the examination, which costs €30.00.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Examination | 30.00€ |
| Bonding | 145.00€ |
Prices are from the clinic’s price list. The final cost depends on your case and is confirmed after an examination. See the full price list
What should you do next?
If you are considering bonding, ask at the consultation how long it can last with your bite, whether to whiten first and how to maintain the result. If you already have bonding that has darkened or chipped, come in for an examination. Often the problem is solved with polishing or a small correction. More about the procedure is on the bonding at SF Dent page. Book on +359 87 666 2785. The clinic is at 22 Elemag St in Izgrev and is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 18:00.
Frequently asked questions
How often does bonding need redoing?
There is no fixed interval. Bonding usually lasts between 3 and 10 years, but small corrections and polishing may be needed sooner. At your yearly check-up the dentist looks at the edges and colour and tells you whether it is time for a repair or a replacement.
Can I drink coffee after bonding?
Yes, but composite picks up stains more easily than enamel. Rinse your mouth with water after coffee, tea and red wine and do not put off brushing. Surface staining can usually be removed with professional polishing during a cleaning.
Can bonding be whitened?
No. Whitening gel works only on natural enamel and does not change the colour of composite. If you want lighter teeth, whiten before the bonding so the material shade is matched to your new colour.
What should I do if my bonding chips?
Keep the chipped piece if you can, avoid chewing on that tooth and call your dentist. A small chip is usually repaired by adding composite and polishing in one visit. If you have pain or sensitivity, mention it when you book.
Is bonding suitable if I grind my teeth?
Grinding puts load on bonding and it can wear or chip faster. This does not always rule bonding out, but the dentist may recommend a night guard or another solution. Mention at the consultation if you know you clench or grind your teeth.
