Composite Bonding: Life Expectancy, Durability & Treatment Timeline
The composite bonding material is meant to last only between 5 and 7 years; however, in some patient cases, its longevity can be extended to 10 years. Just like a dental filling is only meant to last 10 years, in some cases, it can last longer. It all depends on your habits and oral hygiene.
How long composite bonding lasts depends on:
- Where in the mouth is it applied (it lasts longer on front teeth due to less pressure from biting forces).
- The quality of materials used.
- The patient’s lifestyle, habits and oral hygiene.
With the proper care, it’s not impossible to maintain composite bonding for over a decade, especially as it’s the easiest material to repair and renew, where we can fix up a few small areas when necessary to make them appear fresher. Learn more about bonding.
When you’ll need to replace or renew composite bonding – what to look out for
- Severe staining or discolouration (no longer matching teeth)
- Several chips or cracks, particularly in high-stress areas
Making composite bonding look brand new
- There’s no limit to the number of times you can replace bonding
- It’s recommended to replace your bonding every 10 years
- Dentists can either repair your bonding or replace it
Just like your natural teeth, the aesthetics of your composite bonding will fade with time. General wear and tear and staining are the big culprits for breaking down the material – but it’s very easy for us as dentists to renew the smile and make it feel brand new.
So, if your composite bonding looks dull or less bright and white after some time, don’t worry. We can easily fix it. Dental bonding won’t respond to teeth whitening, but our cosmetic dentists can use specific tools to polish and remove stains or even paint a new resin shade on top.
Scared of composite bonding not lasting?
Tips to follow
Several factors can influence and affect the longevity of your bonding. For example, if it’s applied to the molars or premolars (back teeth), it can be more prone to wear and tear due to heavier pressure from biting forces – this can be especially true if you grind your teeth or clench your jaw.
To make your bonding last longer, try the following:
- Do not bite on hard objects
- Do not chew ice
- Do not bite your fingernails
- Do not use your teeth to open things
- Avoid certain drinks and foods like coffee and red wine
- Drink through a straw
- Avoid highly acidic foods
- Avoid smoking
- Maintain a good level of oral hygiene
- Do not brush too hard
- Prevent plaque build-up with regular flossing
- Address any wear and tear immediately
Composite bonding repairs, replacement and removal
Composite bonding is the most cost-effective cosmetic treatment available. It is also the simplest to repair or replace, as most often, if the material gets damaged, it can be touched up or spot-repaired. Replace old composite bonding at our clinic in London from £295.
If you decide you don’t wish to renew or replace your bonding and instead return to your original smile, that’s fine. Composite bonding is a low-risk procedure involving minimal alteration to the natural tooth structure so you can return to your original smile whenever possible.
Affordable dental finance on all treatments over £995.00
