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Can you polish dental bonding?


Dental bonding is a common cosmetic dentistry procedure used to repair chipped, cracked, discolored, or misshapen teeth. During the procedure, the dentist applies a putty-like resin material to the tooth’s surface and shapes it before hardening it with a special light. Once hardened, the resin bonds to the tooth, creating a smooth, natural-looking surface.

However, over time dental bonding can become stained, faded, or rough around the edges. This is normal and to be expected. Polishing is often recommended periodically to refresh the look of dental bonding and keep it smooth. So yes, you can polish dental bonding. Here’s what you need to know about polishing bonded teeth.

What is polishing for dental bonding?

Dental polishing, also known as teeth polishing or professional cleaning, is a procedure to buff and shine the teeth. It removes built-up stains, plaque, and roughness from tooth surfaces.

For dental bonding, polishing helps refresh the material and makes it look new again. It removes any stains, debris, or oxidation that occurred over months or years after the initial placement.

Polishing uses a handheld tool with a rotary rubber cup or brush to gently buff the teeth. An abrasive paste is applied to remove imperfections in the outer enamel layer. After polishing, bonded teeth once again have a smooth gloss.

When should you get dental bonding polished?

Most dentists recommend getting dental bonding polished every 6 months to 1 year. However, the frequency depends on factors like:

– Your oral hygiene habits – Good brushing and flossing helps bonding last longer between polishing.

– Your diet – Consuming staining foods/drinks often means more frequent polishing needs.

– Amount of bonding – More bonding means more surface area to keep polished.

– Location in mouth – Bonding on front teeth shows wear sooner than molars.

If the dental bonding feels rough or looks noticeably dull or stained, it’s a sign a polishing is overdue. The average bonding lasts 5-7 years before needing replacement, with regular polishing.

Does polishing damage dental bonding?

Polishing does not damage properly cured dental bonding. The polishing paste and tools are designed to be gentle enough for resin surfaces. As long as an experienced professional performs the polishing, it is safe for bonded teeth.

However, aggressively scraping or over-polishing can wear down the bonding over time. This depends on technique and how often polishing is performed. Following your dentist’s recommended schedule prevents over-polishing the bonding.

Can you polish dental bonding at home?

You cannot replicate professional polishing at home. However, you can care for bonded teeth between dental visits:

– Brush 2x daily using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Avoid abrasive whitening toothpastes.

– Floss once daily to remove plaque from bonding edges.

– Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash to prevent bacteria buildup.

– Avoid stain-causing foods and drinks like coffee, tea, wine, soda, tobacco, etc.

– Get any new cavities filled quickly to prevent decay under bonding.

Professional polishing is still needed every 6-12 months to buff away buildup the toothbrush can’t reach. But home care helps limit surface wear between polishing appointments.

Does insurance cover polishing for dental bonding?

If dental bonding polishing is being performed along with your routine dental cleaning, it is covered as preventive maintenance. Any additional fees specific to polishing the bonding are usually minimal.

However, if you need an appointment solely for bonding polishing in between cleanings, it may be considered cosmetic by your insurance. This means you’ll likely pay out-of-pocket for the full cost of the isolated polishing appointment. Verifying coverage beforehand is recommended.

How is dental bonding polished?

The polishing process takes place over several steps:

Cleaning

First, the dentist and hygienist will clean the teeth to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains. This involves scraping tools and high-powered water irrigation.

Applying polishing paste

Next, they apply an abrasive polishing paste to a rubber cup attached to a handpiece. Common polishing pastes include pumice, calcium carbonate, silicon dioxide, or aluminum oxide.

Buffing the bonding

They gently buff the surfaces of the bonded teeth to smooth and shine the material. The handpiece spins the rubber cup at high speeds for friction.

Rinsing

The teeth are rinsed clean of paste residue after buffing.

Fluoride treatment

Finally, a fluoride gel or foam may be applied to strengthen the teeth and bonding. This helps prevent future decay.

The whole polishing process takes about 15-20 minutes. You may experience some sensitivity from the buffing, which resolves shortly after rinsing.

Results of polishing dental bonding

After professional polishing, you’ll notice:

– Bonding colors match again – Nicotine stains or yellowing are removed.

– Smooth, glossy tooth surfaces – Any rough spots or pits in the resin are buffed away.

– Defined bonding edges – Buffing refines the transition between the bonding and natural tooth.

– Increased light reflection – The glossiness of polished bonding helps your smile radiate.

– Minimal tooth sensitivity – A fluoride treatment helps decrease sensitivity.

With proper home care between visits, the refreshed polish on bonded teeth can last 6 months to a year. Regular dental cleanings and polishing provide the best longevity for your bonding.

Risks of polishing dental bonding

There are few risks with professional polishing of dental bonding. However, they include:

– Tooth sensitivity – Temporary sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure may occur after polishing. Usually resolves within a few days.

– Enamel thinning – Aggressive polishing can gradually wear down enamel over time.

– Bonding breakdown – Excessive buffing weakens the resin-tooth bond, causing chipping or gaps.

– Recession exposure – Pressing or rubbing too hard while polishing can recede the gums.

– Damage to other restorations – Polishing must be isolated to bonding, as it can roughen or reduce crowns, veneers, fillings, etc.

To avoid risks, visit an experienced dentist every 6-12 months and follow their recommended polishing frequency. Let them know if you have any discomfort during or after the procedure.

Cost of polishing dental bonding

According to national averages, polishing for dental bonding costs:

– As part of routine cleaning – $0-$50
– Isolated polishing visit – $80-$200

Factors affecting the cost include:

– Dentist’s fees – Specialists may charge more than general dentists.

– Location – Fees are higher in metro areas vs. rural.

– Amount of bonding – More surfaces requiring polishing increases cost.

– Insurance coverage – Out-of-pocket costs are higher for uncovered cosmetic procedures.

Ask your dentist for an estimate beforehand so you know your payment responsibility. Multi-year polishing packages or dental savings plans can also lower out-of-pocket costs.

Polishing alternatives

While professional polishing is recommended for preserving dental bonding, you may wish to consider these other options:

Whitening treatments

Whitening strips, gels, or in-office procedures can bleach away staining. However, whitening works best on natural teeth. Results on bonding are mild and short-term.

Rebonding

Instead of polishing, bonding with significant staining or roughness can be redone entirely. However, rebonding costs more than polishing and requires reshaping.

Veneers

If bonding damage is extensive, dental veneers provide a permanent alternative. Veneers do not require frequent polishing. But they are more invasive and costly than bonding.

For moderate bonding wear, professional polishing remains the most conservative and cost-effective choice for refreshing its appearance and longevity.

Conclusion

Dental bonding is not meant to last forever unchanged. Normal wear and staining can occur over time. Professional polishing by your dentist is recommended every 6 months to 1 year to maintain the beautiful look of bonded teeth.

Polishing is a quick, non-invasive procedure to remove roughness and refresh the gloss of bonding. It should not damage the bonding as long as performed properly at the recommended intervals. With good home care between visits, polishing helps bonded teeth look freshly applied for years before needing replacement.

Pros of Polishing Dental Bonding Cons of Polishing Dental Bonding
Removes stains and yellowing May cause temporary tooth sensitivity
Restores smoothness Can thin enamel if done excessively
Refreshes luster and gloss Risks bonding breakdown from overpolishing
Minimal procedure time and discomfort Typically not covered by insurance without cleaning
Preserves and extends bonding lifespan Still requires good oral hygiene daily