Care of Large Bondings

Do you have bondings on your front teeth? If you do, you want to take care of them so that they last the 5 years or so that is projected for them before they need to be replaced. Or if you're considering getting them, this may be information that you want to know. 

Bondings are done with composite filling material in a color that matches your tooth. Though you can’t see it with your eyes, the structure of composite is a bit like jello salads. There are particles (think of fruit suspended in jello) and the filler (the jello). Over time, the filler layer wears down. When there’s not enough filler to hold a particle in, it will fall out of the material. The surface left behind has divots that look like a golf ball’s surface (though unlike a golf ball, you can’t see the divots in the filling with your naked eye. What you can see is the stain that gets caught in the irregularities.)

Some tips for keeping your bondings in good shape:

• Give your bondings the same special care that you give the rest of your teeth. Poor home care and the wrong foods will have an effect on your bondings.
• Brush with a soft bristled toothbrush and use a nonabrasive toothpaste. (Abrasive toothpastes will wear down the filler more quickly.)
• Make an appointment to see your dentist a few months after your bonding is done. Your dentist can check to make sure that the bonding is not causing any gum inflammation or other problems that can be corrected.
• Do not bite your nails or hold things (ex. pencils, bobby pins) between your teeth.
• Do not chew ice.
• Avoid nuts, hard candy, and other foods that might crack your bondings.
• Avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth or the filling material. Some examples are: coffee, tea, dark sodas, purple grape juice, spaghetti sauce.)

If you take care of your bondings, they should last for a number of years before you replace them, and allow you to show off your winning smile!

If you are interested in bondings, please call Dr. Robb’s office at 440-960-1940 to schedule.

Dr. Robb is a general dentist with an office at 1612 Cooper Foster Park Rd. in Lorain, OH. She is accepting new patients.