How to Care for Your Composite Bonding: A Guide by Infinity Dental Clinic

Composite bonding is a popular cosmetic dental treatment that we use at Infinity Dental Clinic to enhance the appearance of your teeth by fixing minor chips, cracks, or improving the shape of the teeth. There is some important aftercare to keep your composite bonding looking tip top.

In this post, I will guide you through what composite bonding is, how to care for it, and what to do in case of damage.

What is Composite Bonding, and How Long Does It Last?

Composite bonding involves the application of a tooth-coloured material (the composite) to your teeth to improve their appearance. Using special instruments, we can sculpt the composite to the desired shape and size, then use a light to set it in place.

One of the key benefits of composite bonding is that it is minimally invasive and kind to your teeth —there is usually no need to remove any enamel, and numbing is not required in most cases. With proper care, composite bonding can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, depending on factors such as your oral hygiene habits and lifestyle.

Post-Treatment Care for Composite Bonding

After your composite bonding appointment, there are a few care tips that can help prolong its lifespan and keep your smile looking great:

• Oral Hygiene: Just like your natural teeth, composite bonding needs regular brushing and flossing. Make sure to brush at least twice a day and floss once a day. Use a non- abrasive toothpaste, such as one from the Sensodyne range, to avoid wearing down the composite material.
• Diet: Avoid hard or sticky foods that can cause stress on the bonded areas. Biting down on hard foods like ice or nuts can chip the bonding. Additionally, be mindful of staining foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine, as composite resin can stain over time.
• No Smoking: As well as increasing your risk of gum disease and oral cancer, smoking and vaping can discolour the bonding material, causing it to yellow over time.
• Avoid Grinding: If you tend to grind your teeth (bruxism), especially at night, consider using a night guard. Grinding can cause premature wear or even fracture the bonded material.

Routine Air Polish Appointments

Maintaining the shine and cleanliness of your composite bonding involves routine visits to the dentist. At Infinity Dental Clinic, we recommend regular air polish appointments as part of your post-bonding care. Air polishing is a gentle yet effective method for cleaning your teeth and removing surface stains. It is especially useful for keeping your bonding bright and fresh, as it helps maintain the smooth finish of the composite material without causing damage.

During these visits, we will also check the condition of the bonding and ensure it is still securely attached and free from any chips or wear.

Having a Denplan membership to our practice is a great way to ensure you can have all of your routine check-ups and air polish appointments booked in advance, and will ensure if you suffer with a chip or breakage, you will get priority access to emergency appointments.

What Happens When Composite Bonding Chips?

While composite bonding is durable, accidents can happen, and it is possible for the material to chip or crack. If this happens, do not panic—we offer composite refreshment appointments to restore your bonding.

During a refreshment appointment, we will:

• Assess the Damage: First, we will evaluate the chipped area to determine whether it needs a minor touch-up or a full replacement of the composite material.

• Preparation: We will clean and lightly roughen the surface to ensure the new composite bonds well.

• Resin application: A new layer of composite resin is carefully applied to the damaged area. We will shape and sculpt the material to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.

• Polishing: Once the material is hardened and bonded, we will polish the area to restore its shine, leaving your tooth looking as good as new.

The process is straightforward and pain-free. Restoring chipped bonding is a quick and efficient way to regain the appearance and function of your smile.

Caring for your composite bonding is essential to ensuring its longevity and maintaining the aesthetic results. By practicing good oral hygiene, visiting us for regular air polish and examination appointments, and seeking prompt repairs if needed, you can enjoy a beautiful smile for many years. If you have any questions about composite bonding or need to schedule a follow-up, feel free to contact us for a consultation.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog

Dr Roma McNeil