Composite bonding is a fantastic way to enhance your smile, providing a natural and seamless look with minimal invasiveness. Once you’ve had your smile transformed at Edlington Dental in Doncaster, proper aftercare will help ensure your bonded teeth remain in excellent condition for years to come.
Here’s everything you need to know about caring for your composite bonding:
1. Prioritise Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining strong oral hygiene is essential for both your natural and bonded teeth. Follow these simple steps to keep your smile in top shape:
✔ Brush twice a day – Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid excessive wear on the bonding material.
✔ Floss daily – Plaque and food can build up around your bonded teeth, so be sure to floss or use an interdental brush.
✔ Use an alcohol-free mouthwash – Some mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can weaken the composite material over time. Opt for a gentler alternative.
✔ Attend regular dental check-ups – Routine visits to Edlington Dental in Doncaster allow us to monitor your bonding and maintain your overall oral health.
2. Be Mindful of What You Eat and Drink
While composite bonding is durable, it’s still susceptible to damage and staining. To keep your bonded teeth looking their best:
🚫 Avoid biting on hard foods or objects – Crunching on ice, hard sweets, or even pens can lead to chips or fractures in the bonding.
🚫 Reduce consumption of staining foods and drinks – Coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and curries can cause discolouration over time. If you do indulge, rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth after 30 minutes.
🚫 Limit acidic foods and drinks – Citrus fruits, fizzy drinks, and vinegar-based foods can weaken the bonding. If you consume them, rinse your mouth to help neutralise acidity.
3. Break Harmful Habits
Certain habits can compromise the longevity of your composite bonding. Avoid:
❌ Nail-biting – This puts unnecessary pressure on your bonded teeth and can cause chipping.
❌ Using teeth as tools – Avoid opening bottles, tearing packaging, or cutting tape with your teeth—these actions can weaken or damage the bonding material.
❌ Chewing on non-food objects – Pens, pencils, and even straws can put strain on your bonded teeth, potentially leading to wear or fractures.
4. Protect Your Bonding with a Mouthguard
If you grind your teeth at night or play contact sports, a mouthguard can help prevent damage to your bonded teeth.
✔ For athletes – A sports mouthguard provides protection against impact-related damage.
✔ For teeth grinders – If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), a custom-made nightguard from Edlington Dental in Doncaster can help protect your bonding from excessive wear.
5. Prevent Staining and Keep Your Smile Bright
Composite bonding does not whiten like natural teeth, so taking steps to avoid stains is crucial:
✅ Use a straw for dark drinks – This minimises direct contact with staining beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine.
✅ Rinse or brush after consuming staining foods – If you enjoy coffee or red wine, rinse your mouth immediately after or brush your teeth after 30 minutes to reduce staining.
✅ Consider occasional touch-ups – Over time, your bonded teeth may not match the natural shade of your smile. If needed, we can polish or refresh them at Edlington Dental in Doncaster.
6. Follow Special Care Instructions After Your Procedure
For the first 24–48 hours after your composite bonding treatment, take extra precautions:
✔ Avoid extremely hot or cold foods – Sensitivity is common immediately after bonding, so it’s best to steer clear of extreme temperatures.
✔ Be gentle with your teeth – While bonding is fully set when you leave the dental clinic, it’s a good idea to avoid very hard or crunchy foods for a day or two.
✔ Take mild pain relief if needed – If you experience mild sensitivity, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help.
7. Keep Up with Regular Dental Visits at Edlington Dental in Doncaster
Routine check-ups ensure that your composite bonding stays in great condition. During these visits, we will:
✔ Check for signs of wear, chipping, or staining
✔ Perform professional cleanings to remove plaque and surface stains
✔ Offer expert advice on maintaining your bonded teeth for years to come
At Edlington Dental in Doncaster, we are committed to helping you maintain a healthy, confident smile. If you have any concerns about your composite bonding or would like a check-up, schedule an appointment today!
