If you’re longing to address imperfections in your smile but don’t have the budget to invest in porcelain veneers, you’re in luck! Your dentist can address issues like cracked, chipped, discolored, or slightly gapped teeth with cosmetic dental bonding, instead. This cost-effective alternative treatment is a versatile solution that can enhance your appearance by mending or masking aesthetic flaws.
To do so, your dentist applies a small amount of tooth-colored composite resin directly to your pearly white and molds it into the perfect shape. Then, they harden it in place with a special curing light so that it bonds with your enamel. The results can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years, although there are a few things you can do to extend their longevity. Keep reading to learn about 3 of them!
Tip #1: Implement An At-Home Hygiene Routine
If you don’t already practice consistent dental hygiene at home, now’s the time to start! You should brush and floss twice daily; once in the morning when you’re preparing for the day and again before bedtime. This removes plaque buildup and eradicates harmful bacteria from your teeth and along your gumline to prevent problems like cavities and gum disease. This is a simple and effective way to keep unwanted germs from penetrating around or beneath the bonded material and keeps your grin in better condition.
Tip #2: Drink More Water
Many popular beverages contain ingredients that aren’t good for your teeth. For example, coffee, tea, soda, and wine all contain tannins that stain. Plus, sugary juices attract toxic bacteria that contribute to oral issues. Other drinks, like alcohol, are acidic and can erode your enamel.
Water, meanwhile, contributes to oral health in more ways than one. Firstly, drinking it after meals it rinses away food particles or sugar from your mouth to keep it clean. On top of that, it has a neutral pH to counteract acids from the foods you consume. Your teeth and dental bonding are less prone to damage as a result.
Tip #3: Watch What You Eat
Although dental bonding doesn’t come with many dietary restrictions, you’ll still want to avoid eating anything overly hard or sticky because they can damage the composite resin. If you’re frequently biting into foods that are overly tough or crunchy, you risk premature wear and tear. You should also avoid biting inanimate objects so try not to bite your nails, chew pen caps, or open packages with your teeth.
Now that you know a few easy ways to keep your dental bonding in tip-top shape, you can enjoy the benefits of your new and improved smile for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Terri Alani has more than 30 years helping patients improve their lives by enhancing their dental health and appearance. She attended Texas A&M University for her Bachelor of Science degree and then earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Houston. Today, she’s renowned in the area for her media presence, including participation on a radio show, TV, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, and for teaching fellow dentists about the Snap-on Smile procedure. If you’re hoping to address aesthetic imperfections in your teeth, she’s an expert who’s eager to help. You’re welcome to request a consultation appointment on the website or by calling (713) 621-5141.