Teeth are like mirrors—when they're clean, they reflect light and give your smile a boost. But when they're not, it can be obvious to everyone around you, especially if you have composite bonding—a common cosmetic dental procedure.

Composite bonding involves bonding a tooth-coloured resin to your teeth, and can be used for anything from repairing chips and cracks to changing the shape or colour of your teeth. Because the resin is bonded to your teeth, it's important to keep it clean so that your smile stays sparkling.

If you don't know how to clean composite bonding properly, it can become stained and dull-looking. That's something you want to avoid, since composite bonding is meant to enhance your smile, not detract from it!

Luckily, cleaning composite bonding is easy—as long as you know how to do it properly. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to keep your composite bonding clean and sparkling.

How to Clean Composite Bonding

Learning how to clean composite bonding is important for anyone who has composite bonding or is considering getting it. Luckily, it's not difficult to do! Here are the steps you need to take.

#1 Start with the basics.

Just like your natural teeth, you should brush your bonded teeth at least twice a day.

When doing so, use a toothbrush with soft bristles, and be sure to brush thoroughly—but gently! You don't want to damage the bonding. To get all the nooks and crannies of your bonded teeth, use a toothbrush with a small head. That way, you can reach those difficult-to-clean areas and remove any plaque or bacteria that are building up.

In addition to brushing, you should also floss your bonded teeth every day. This will help remove any plaque or food particles that have become stuck in between your teeth. Again, use a gentle flossing motion so you don't harm the composite!

Thoroughly cleaning your bonded teeth twice a day will help remove plaque and prevent staining, while also keeping your breath fresh.

#2 Use non-abrasive toothpaste.

When you're brushing your teeth, be sure to use a toothpaste that's designed for people with bonded teeth. These kinds of toothpaste are usually gentle and non-abrasive, meaning that your chompers will be safe from scratches.

We recommend avoiding whitening toothpastes, as they can sometimes remove the enamel from your teeth and make them more sensitive. Instead, opt for a toothpaste that's designed to be gentle on composite bonding with no harsh ingredients, like Venneir.

#3 See the hygienist regularly.

Even if you're taking good care of your teeth at home, it's still important to see a dental hygienist regularly. They can professionally clean your teeth and remove any plaque or tartar that's been missed during your at-home routine.

Depending on how well you take care of your teeth, your dentist or hygienist may recommend coming in for a cleaning every 3-6 months.

#4 Avoid stain-causing foods and drinks.

Certain foods and drinks can cause staining on your teeth, making your composite bonding look dull and discoloured. To avoid this, try to limit or avoid foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries. You should also stay away from cigarettes and other tobacco products, as they can cause staining on your teeth.

If you do eat or drink something that could cause staining, be sure to brush your teeth right away. This will help remove any residue before it has a chance to stain your teeth.

In addition, ensure you leave a 24-48 hour gap after you receive your composite bonding before consuming any of these items, as it needs time to set.

#4 Don't bite your nails or chew on hard objects.

Nails and hard objects can damage your composite bonding, so it's best to evade them altogether. If you bite your nails or chew on hard objects like pens or pencils, you run the risk of chipping or cracking your bonding.

Not only is this unsightly, but it can also cause pain and sensitivity. If you find yourself biting your nails or chewing on hard objects, try to break the habit by keeping your hands busy with something else, like a stress ball or fidget toy.

Conclusion

Learning how to clean composite teeth is important for anyone with this type of dental work. You never want your smile to look anything less than its best, and by following these simple tips, you can ensure your composite bonding always looks fresh and new.

If you have any questions about how to care for your composite bonding, be sure to ask your dentist or hygienist. They'll be able to give you customised advice based on your individual needs. And, of course, if you ever have any problems with your bonding, don't hesitate to contact your dentist right away.

Keep up the good work, and your composite teeth will stay looking great for many years to come!