Speedy Repairs: How You Can Take Care of Your Dental Bonding

If there is a minor imperfection in your smile that is catching your attention like a lighthouse, you may be wondering what you can do about it. You enjoy the look of your other teeth, but just one tooth has a small chip, gap, or stain. You might be in luck because dental bonding may be right for you!

This cosmetic dental treatment is an affordable option that can last for several years. That being said, it’s important to know the steps you need to take to avoid earlier repairs. Continue reading to learn how you can better care for your dental bonding.

How Does Dental Bonding Work?

This treatment is most effective at covering minor damage or flaws. It’s not designed to transform your entire smile, so if you just have one tooth that looks off, your dentist can fix it up real quick.

They start by cleaning your tooth and then roughening it with a special liquid. After it is etched, the bonding material can stick better. A tooth-colored composite resin is applied to your damaged tooth and sculpted into the desired shape. It’s then cured with a special light that hardens it. Lastly, they make final adjustments to make sure it looks like nothing ever happened!

How to Care for Your Dental Bonding

Dental bonding can last for years, but there are some things you can do to help ensure it lasts longer. Here is what you can do:

• Keep Up with an Oral Care Routine: The best way to keep your bonding in good shape is by following proper dental hygiene. Brush twice and floss once every day to ensure that the cosmetic work and the rest of your smile stay healthy. This also includes visiting your dentist twice a year, so they can check the integrity of the bonding.
• Avoid Staining Foods: For the first few days after the service, it’s best practice to avoid dark-colored foods and drinks. Items like coffee, soda, berries, and tomato sauce can lead to stains. After a couple of days, the bonding will become less susceptible to discoloration. It’s also good to drink some plain water after having these foods to get rid of dark particles.
• Be Cautious of Hard Foods: Composite resin isn’t as strong as your natural tooth enamel, so it can chip when you aren’t careful when eating hard items.
• Deal with Bruxism: This subconscious habit is the grinding or clenching of your teeth. It can put excess stress on the bonding, leading to it breaking.

A great way to correct a minor mistake is with the help of dental bonding. It can be a small change, but it can do wonders for your confidence! Follow these tips to help ensure that your renewed smile lasts for years to come.

About the Practice

At Broad Park Family Dentistry, we want you to feel better about your grin. Imperfections can leave you wanting to hide them away, so we are proud to offer a wide range of cosmetic dental treatments, like dental bonding. Our team of experienced dentists will work with you and your goals to create a plan that gives you the results you love. If you have a minor chipped tooth, schedule an appointment or call us at (817) 473-6857.