I’ve only had dental bonding for two months, but it is stained. I thought it would last longer. Should I avoid tea and coffee? I don’t drink soda. If my dentist had told me that the bonding would stain so quickly, I might have explored other options, even if they cost more. Thank you. Fern
Fern,
Dental bonding is not stain resistant but should not stain within two months, even if you drink coffee or tea. We will explain what may have happened.
Dental bonding is a composite blend of plastic resin and organic fillers, which may include silica, quart, or glass. The inorganic fillers in the composite can vary and determine their properties, including strength and ability to polish.
- Microfill composites – Buffing them can achieve very high luster like natural tooth enamel. Mirofills are not as strong as nanofill composites.
- Nanofill composites – They are high strength and claim to have a high luster when polished.
Most family dentists stock high-strength, general-purpose composites. However, expert cosmetic dentists have various composites in their inventory.
- They use a more substantial composite, such as a hybrid, for the interior front teeth.
- Afterward, they apply a microfill for luster.
- Also, they vary shades and translucencies of materials to mimic natural teeth, with opaque dentin, translucent enamel, and a gradation of color.
Your dentist may have used a general-purpose composite that will not polish to a high shine. Or perhaps she didn’t take enough time to polish the composite well. We recommend returning to your dentist to refresh and polish the dental bonding.
Porcelain veneers are stain resistant and stronger than tooth enamel
Otherwise, you can seek an advanced cosmetic dentist to enhance your bonding. When bonding covers the entire front surface of a tooth, a skilled cosmetic may recommend a porcelain veneer for stain resistance and strength that exceeds natural tooth enamel.
Schedule a consultation with a skilled cosmetic dentist to discuss your options.
Dr. James Gavrilos, a Barrington, Illinois, accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.