Was your tooth recently chipped? Do you wish you could close the gap between your teeth without braces? Have you always disliked the shape of your incisors? Dental bonding could be the perfect solution. During this cosmetic procedure, a tooth-colored composite resin is bonded to your natural tooth to enhance your smile. The treatment is completely reversible and provides a seamless result. But of course, you’ll need to learn how to take care of a bonded tooth to ensure that your smile remains healthy and gorgeous for years to come!
How to Take Care of a Bonded Tooth
Let’s get right to it! If you’re wondering how to take care of a bonded tooth, the answer is wonderfully simple. You just need to do a few basic things, which you should have been doing already:
- Brush your teeth twice daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Remember to replace your toothbrush when the bristles begin to fray.
- Floss your teeth once daily. Make sure you clean the entire side of each tooth by following the curve of the teeth at the top and guiding the floss along the gumline.
- Visit your dentist regularly. Most dentists recommend that you schedule a check-up and cleaning every six months. The next time you visit your dentist, consider scheduling your next appointment so you always have a dental appointment on your calendar.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects. If you often chew on your fingernails, pens, or other hard objects, you’ll need to break the habit because the composite resin used in dental bonding is prone to chipping. Perhaps you could replace the habit with a safer activity, like playing with a bracelet, a fidget spinner, or a stress ball.
- Don’t chew on hard food either. Ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels . . . Don’t chew on anything hard, as it can crack your teeth and chip bonded resin.
- Never use your teeth as a tool. Whether your teeth are all-natural or bonded, they should never be used to twist off bottle caps, remove tags, open packages, etc. Teeth are not tools! Reach for a bottle cap or scissors, and let your teeth off the hook.
- Contact your dentist if you notice anything concerning. Does your bonded tooth have any sharp edges? Does it feel funny when you bite down? Call your dentist. Typically, minor issues like these can be fixed in just a few minutes.
As you can see, all of the recommendations for taking care of bonded teeth are tips you’ve already heard when it comes to your natural teeth. We hope that you’re already doing all of these things, so your bonded tooth won’t shake up your routine at all!
To give your dental bonding treatment the longest lifespan possible, follow all of the tips above. With good oral hygiene habits, dental bonding can last between three and ten years before requiring a touch-up or replacement.
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Did you recently chip your tooth? Are you hoping to change the shape, texture, or color of a tooth? Have you always been bothered by the gap between your two front teeth? Contact your dentist to learn if dental bonding could be the ideal solution.
If you’re looking for an experienced, reliable, and friendly dentist near Springfield, Missouri, contact Keen Smiles Family Dental. Dr. Wilkinson and his team will give you the personalized treatment you deserve using state-of-the-art technology. For exceptional and comprehensive dental care, schedule your first appointment today by calling 417-708-0556 or requesting an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!
