Teeth bonding aftercare; dos and don’ts
Teeth bonding can be an excellent way to repair chipped or stained teeth, or if you want to close small gaps between teeth. The procedure is almost painless and is one of the safest and most affordable cosmetic dentistry treatments. The dentist will roughen the surface of the tooth or teeth that will be bonded and mix the composite resin in a shade that matches your teeth. Then, the dentist will apply the resin to your teeth and gently moulds it to repair the damage. Finally, the bonding material is hardened with ultraviolet light. Keep in mind that dental bonding is not as long-lasting as veneers or crowns. So, certain habits or foods can shorten the life span of bonded teeth. Also, this kind of procedure can only be done on the front teeth. Luckily, we have listed several dos and don’ts that will help you maintain that dazzling smile for a long time.
Brush and floss regularly
This is one of the most basic dental hygiene habits and unfortunately one of the most neglected ones. It is a good idea to brush your teeth after every meal, but brushing in the morning and before bed is a must. Whether you use a regular or an electric toothbrush, make sure it has soft bristles and brush your teeth thoroughly for 2 to 3 minutes. You can check out some of the best electric toothbrushes for travelling in case you are planning to go on a trip soon. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride because fluoride is very efficient in preventing tooth decay and strengthening tooth enamel, too. The toothbrush can’t reach deep in between the teeth to clean all food debris, so don’t forget to floss your teeth once a day. Remember to bring the floss up to the gum line and remove all the food debris before you move on to the next tooth. All this will ensure that the dental bond lasts longer.
Avoid hard food
A good thing about dental bonding is that it’s ready for action right away. You can reward yourself with lunch immediately after the procedure while getting used to the new feel of your bonded teeth. However, you will need to be careful with crunchy food. Composite resin is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel. Nuts, popcorn or candy can wear down the dental bonding and eventually lead to the breakage of a bonded tooth. If you really can’t give up on that kind of food, at least try to use only your back molars when you chew. It is also worth mentioning that candies are full of sugar and eating them is not a good idea if you want to maintain overall good oral health. Also, if you are an avid ice chewer, be aware that ice can cause a lot of dental problems. It will not only damage your bonded teeth but can also cause micro fractures in your natural teeth.
Lower the intake of staining beverages
After the dental bonding procedure, your dentist will advise you to minimise the intake of products such as red wine, coffee, and grape juice. These kinds of products are highly pigmented and acidic and can leave your newly bonded teeth stained and looking dull. Although materials used in composite resin are harder to discolour, it is not as stain-resistant as porcelain crowns or veneers. Also, if you are a smoker or tobacco lover, consider breaking that habit. Nicotine can change the colour of teeth from white to yellowish and can damage the bond between dentin and composite resin, too. It’s important to note that you can’t whiten composite resin. Once stained it will probably stay that way until you replace it. If you really can’t start your day without a cup of coffee despite all of this, drink it through a straw and rinse your teeth afterwards.
Drink a glass of water after meals
As said above, brushing your teeth after every meal is the best way to keep your teeth healthy. However, if you don’t have a toothbrush on hand, water can be a great alternative. Drinking water after you’ve finished eating will flush out the majority of food debris from your mouth. If you have consumed food or drinks that are rich in sugar, the bacteria in your mouth will start to turn the sugars into acid within a few minutes. The acid in your mouth will make your bonded teeth more prone to chipping and tooth decay. Water, however, lessens acidity levels with every sip and protects your teeth from bacteria. You’ll still need to brush and floss your teeth regularly because water can’t remove all food residue.
Schedule regular dentist appointments
Following aftercare instructions is crucial for maintaining that radiant smile, but so are the regular dentist visits, too. Even though dentists can do the dental bonding in a single appointment, you will still need a dental check-up every six months. The dentist can then make adjustments if your bonded teeth started to feel strange when you bite down or if the surface of the tooth becomes uneven. In case your dental bond is worn down or chipped beyond repair, you can book an appointment and get affordable dental bonding. Besides, who can offer you better suggestions on effective care for the bonding than the dentist itself?
Get rid of habits that can damage the composite resin
Keep in mind that you must use your teeth for food and not as tools. Using your teeth to open food wrappers or popping bottles can crack the bonded material. It may seem harmless, but nail-biting and chewing pens can have serious consequences for that beautiful smile of yours, too. Composite resin usually lasts between 5 and 10 years. With these nasty habits, it will become worn down in a short time. If you grind your teeth while you sleep, this habit may be a little harder to break. Therefore you will need to wear a night guard to stop your teeth from grinding against each other during sleep.
Dental bonding is a great option for some minor teeth repairs and your dentist can do it in just one appointment. It is one of the least expensive cosmetic dental procedures and it doesn’t require anaesthesia. With proper aftercare and regular dentist visits, you will maintain that gorgeous smile for years.
