Dental bonding is a conservative way to repair a small chip, close a minor gap or refine the shape of a tooth. Because it is a relatively simple treatment, many people consider it before other cosmetic options. A common follow-up question is how long the results will last.
The short answer is that bonding can last a long time, but it is not permanent. This guide explains what the American Dental Association (ADA) and dental research say about bonding, why it sometimes needs touch-ups and what you can do to help it last.
What is dental bonding?
MouthHealthy, the ADA's patient site, describes bonding as a process where the dentist attaches or "bonds" materials directly to your tooth. In cosmetic bonding, the material is usually a tooth-colored composite resin. Describing composite veneers, which use the same material, MouthHealthy explains that the dentist prepares the tooth, bonds and sculpts the composite, hardens it with a special light and then smooths and polishes it to look like a natural tooth.
Compared with porcelain veneers, MouthHealthy notes that composite veneers may require less tooth enamel to be removed and fewer visits to the dentist.
How long does dental bonding last?
There is no fixed number of years that applies to everyone. How long bonding lasts depends on many things, including the forces it takes from biting and chewing and your daily habits.
Research gives some helpful perspective. A 2017 review in Brazilian Oral Research by Demarco and colleagues reported annual failure rates for composite restorations of 1% to 3% in back teeth and 1% to 5% in front teeth. The authors also concluded that no restoration should be expected to last forever, because every restoration faces ongoing physical and chemical challenges in the mouth.
It also helps to know what "failure" means in these studies. In front teeth, the review found that restorations were more often replaced for esthetic reasons, such as color or appearance, than because of new decay. In other words, bonding on a front tooth may still be sound but no longer match the way a person wants it to look.
Why does bonding chip or stain?
Composite resin is a durable material, but it has some limits compared with porcelain:
- Staining. The ADA lists potential staining and discoloration as a disadvantage of composite resin. MouthHealthy also notes that composite veneers are not as stain-resistant or wear-resistant as porcelain ones.
- Chipping and fracture. The ADA reports that more recent studies have found fracture to be the most common reason composite restorations fail.
- Wear over time. MouthHealthy notes that veneers, including composite ones, may chip, crack, wear down or loosen over time, which can mean your dentist needs to re-bond, repair or replace them.
The good news is that composite is generally easier to repair. MouthHealthy notes that composite veneers are easier to fix if damaged, and the Demarco review describes repair as often the best option when treatment is needed, rather than replacing an entire restoration.
What affects how long bonding lasts?
The ADA notes that patient behavior is reported to be the most significant factor in how long composite restorations last. A few factors are worth knowing:
- Teeth grinding and clenching. The Demarco review found that people classified as having high biting stress had about three times the risk of restoration failure.
- Habits that put force on the teeth. MouthHealthy advises avoiding biting your fingernails and chewing on hard objects or foods.
- Staining foods and drinks. MouthHealthy cautions that coffee, tea and red wine may stain or discolor a composite veneer.
- Cavity risk. MouthHealthy points out that you can still get cavities under or around a veneer, so daily brushing and cleaning between the teeth matter just as much after bonding. The Demarco review also found that a higher risk of cavities was linked to more restoration failures in back teeth.
How can you help your bonding last longer?
Many of the same habits that protect natural teeth also protect bonding. MouthHealthy's care tips for veneers apply well to composite bonding too:
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and clean between your teeth daily.
- Avoid biting your fingernails and chewing on hard objects or foods.
- Be mindful of foods and drinks that stain, such as coffee, tea and red wine.
- Wear a mouthguard if you play a sport or do an activity that could injure your mouth.
Regular dental visits also give your dentist a chance to spot small chips or rough spots early, when they are often simpler to polish or repair.
If you know or suspect that you grind or clench your teeth, mention it to your dentist. They can look for signs of wear and talk with you about ways to protect your teeth and any dental work.
Can bonding be whitened?
No. The ADA states that only natural teeth can be whitened, not tooth-colored restorations, because restorative materials generally do not change color. If you are considering both whitening and bonding, talk with your dentist about the order of treatment so your bonding matches the shade of your natural teeth.
When should bonding be checked?
Contact your dentist if you notice any of the following:
- A chip, crack or rough edge on a bonded tooth
- Bonding that feels loose or has come off
- Staining or a dark line along the edge of the bonding
- Sensitivity or discomfort in a bonded tooth
These signs do not always mean the bonding has failed, and many can be handled with polishing or a small repair. Anything that is persistent or getting worse is worth having examined rather than waiting for your next routine visit.
Talking about bonding in Palo Alto
Bonding can serve you well for years when it is planned carefully and cared for at home. At Palo Alto Oral Health, we can examine your teeth, check any existing bonding and talk through whether bonding, veneers or another option best fits your goals. You can learn more about composite dental bonding or book an appointment with our team.
Sources
American Dental Association, MouthHealthy: 8 Great Ways to Improve Your Smile
American Dental Association, MouthHealthy: Veneers
American Dental Association: Whitening
American Dental Association: Materials for Direct Restorations
This article provides general education and does not replace an individual dental examination or diagnosis.
