Composite Bonding Aftercare

Composite Bonding Aftercare

Composite bonding is an increasingly popular dental treatment that uses composite resin to enhance the appearance of your natural teeth.

One of the best things about this cosmetic procedure is that it's non-invasive and can be completed in a single afternoon.

Another benefit of composite bonding is that it's fairly easy to care for and maintain your new smile.

However, you need to keep in mind that the resin is made from a different material than your real teeth and, therefore, requires slightly different care.

The more you look after your composite bonding treatment, the longer it will last and the better it will look.

Here, we'll give you clear guidelines regarding aftercare instructions so you know what to expect.

Dr Mark Flynn

Immediate Care After Treatment

The few days following your procedure are when your composite bonding is most susceptible to chipping and damage.

If you feel like your teeth aren't meeting normally or it's uncomfortable to eat, you should contact your dentist immediately for adjustments.

Here are a few immediate aftercare instructions you should follow:

• Do not smoke: Tobacco products should be avoided at all costs if you want to prevent damage and staining to your new smile.

• Wear your night guard: If your dentist has made you a night guard, remember to wear it every night without fail to prevent damage caused by clenching and grinding.

• Be careful with extreme temperatures: Newly bonded teeth can be quite sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, especially during the first few days.

Daily Hygiene Routine

A proper daily hygiene routine is essential for looking after both your natural teeth and composite bonding.

This is what your dentist will recommend:

• Brushing and flossing: Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristle electric toothbrush—we recommend Philips Sonicare. Also, remember to floss regularly, all the way up to the gum line and under the gum where it meets the tooth (ask your hygienist if you're unsure about this technique). Use interdental brushes also if your dentist has recommended these for you.

• Use whitening toothpaste: Using a whitening toothpaste can help maintain your dazzling smile. However, these kinds of toothpaste can be more abrasive, so speak to your dentist about options for sensitive teeth.

Bad Habits To Avoid

Bad habits can be difficult to break, but it's essential to abide by the following guidelines if you want your new smile to stand the test of time.

• Never bite your nails: this is the single biggest cause of chipped composite bonding and should be avoided completely.

• Don't bite hard objects: Avoid chewing on ice and gnawing on hard candies or any other hard materials that could chip the bonding, such as metal or plastic. Also, avoid using your teeth as tools to open things!

• Limit acidic foods and drinks: Acid causes your natural teeth to erode and wear away, especially if you have a history of dental erosion. It also causes ageing and staining to the bonding material.

Long-Term Maintenance

With the right maintenance plan in place, your bonding treatment can last up to 10 years.

Here's what we recommend:

• Regular check-ups: In your initial consultation, your dentist will explain that you should see them for regular dental check-ups to monitor the bonding.

• Professional hygiene treatments: You should see your dental hygienist every six months to keep your teeth and gums healthy and help prolong the life of your composite bonding.

• Touch-ups: If you ever notice changes (chips or staining) in your dental bonding, you should contact your dentist to address these issues as soon as possible.

Common Issues and When to Contact Your Dentist

While some issues may be 'normal', others may warrant a visit to your dentist. For example:

• Sensitivity: Mild sensitivity is common, but if it lasts more than a week or two or is severe, you should contact your dentist for advice.

• Chipping: If you chip or damage your composite bonding, book an appointment with your dentist. It can usually be repaired easily.

• Discolouration: If discolouration doesn’t disappear with cleaning, contact your dentist to check the cause. This often just requires some professional cleaning.

Final Thoughts

At The Modern Dentist, composite bonding is becoming a very popular choice for cosmetic improvements, thanks to its affordability, straightforward aftercare, and near-instant results.

This treatment can address a wide range of dental issues from a chipped tooth to stubborn discolouration and full smile transformations.

Just remember that if you take your bonding aftercare seriously and follow your dentist's instructions, you'll enjoy a beautiful smile for many years to come!

Are you interested in the many benefits offered by composite bonding? Contact us today to book your free consultation with our expert team.

Meet Our Composite Bonding Team

Our team of skilled cosmetic dentistry specialists is passionate about helping you maintain your perfect smile. Meet the experts who will guide you through your post-treatment care.