How to prolong the lifespan of your composite bonding

When visiting our Leeds practice, one of our clinicians may recommend composite bonding treatment to help fix the following:

— Discoloured or stained teeth 
— Gaps between the teeth
— Worn down teeth
— Cracked teeth
— Chipped teeth

If any of the above issues are affecting your confidence or comfort, we encourage you to book a consultation with one of our experienced clinicians. We’ll carefully assess your needs and recommend the best treatment to help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile that you can be proud of.

One of the most common questions from our patients is how long composite bonding lasts. While the longevity of composite bonding can depend on various factors, it can typically last anywhere from 5-10 years.

There are many factors that can impact the lifespan of composite bonding, such as:

Oral hygiene habits — Good oral hygiene can impact the lifespan of your composite bonding. Poor oral hygiene can lead to decay, gum disease and other oral health issues that can compromise the material and cause it to fail.

Tooth grinding — If you grind or clench your teeth, you may put excessive pressure on the bonded teeth. This can cause the composite resin to crack or chip. 

Eating habits — Composite bonding can be damaged by hard, crunchy or sticky foods. Avoid biting down on hard objects such as ice or pens, and be mindful of what you eat to help prevent damage to the composite resin.

Bite alignment — If you have a misaligned bite, you may put uneven pressure on the bonded teeth, causing the resin to wear down faster. Our clinicians will discuss with you whether correcting your bite would be the right thing to do before your composite bonding procedure.

Lifestyle factors — Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also impact the lifespan of composite bonding. These lifestyle habits can cause staining and discolouration, which may require more frequent touch-ups or replacements.

While composite bonding is a relatively simple and non-invasive procedure, proper aftercare is essential to ensuring its longevity. Let us talk you through some of the ways you can take care of your composite bonding and prolong its lifespan…

Practice good oral hygiene. — Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss at least once daily to remove debris and plaque from your teeth.

Wear a mouthguard. — If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth and composite bonding from damage.

Don’t use your teeth as tools. — Don’t use them to open bottles or packages; avoid biting down on hard items like pens.

Avoid smoking and drinks that can stain your teeth. — Tobacco can cause staining and discolouration of the composite resin, as well as drinks like coffee, tea and red wine.

Visit our Leeds practice for regular check-ups. — Routine dental check-ups are essential to ensure the health of your teeth and composite bonding. Our clinicians can monitor the condition of your bonding and make any necessary repairs or replacements.

To find out more about composite bonding treatment at our Leeds practice, please click here.