Last Reviewed 12th February 2026
Authored by Dr Agata Kijowska, Founder & Principal Dentist, Calm Dental
Table of Contents
Composite Bonding Aftercare Guide
Congratulations on your new smile! To keep your bonded teeth looking and feeling great, follow these simple aftercare tips. We’ve compiled easy guidelines to help you care for your composite bonding, whether you had a small chip repaired or a full smile makeover. Remember, we’re here for you if you have any questions or concerns.
Immediate Care (First 24–48 Hours)
The first couple of days after treatment are important for letting the bonding set and avoiding stains. Here’s how to care for your teeth right after your visit:
Give it time to set: Avoid eating or drinking anything (besides water) for the first 2 hours after your bonding procedure. This allows the resin material to fully harden without disruption.
Eat soft foods initially: Stick to softer foods (yogurt, pasta, eggs, etc.) for the first day to avoid heavy pressure on your bonded teeth. While the composite is hardened by the time you leave, it’s still settling into place in those early hours.
Avoid stains for 48 hours: For the first two days, steer clear of dark-colored foods and drinks that could stain the bonding before it fully sets. This means avoiding coffee, tea, red wine, cola, curry, soy sauce, berries, and tomato-based sauces. If you do consume anything with color, rinse your mouth with water afterward.
Skip smoking (especially early on): Tobacco can quickly yellow your new bonding, especially in the initial 48 hours. For your oral health and a bright smile, it’s best to avoid smoking or vaping entirely (and if you needed another reason to quit, here it is!).
Temperature caution: Your teeth might be a bit sensitive right after bonding. Try to avoid extremely hot or cold foods and drinks for the first day or two. This helps prevent any sharp sensitivity jolts while your teeth adjust.
Gentle brushing tonight: You can brush your teeth the evening of your procedure – just do so gently. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste when brushing around the bonded tooth to avoid scratching the new surface. (Skip highly abrasive whitening toothpastes for now.)
Getting Used to Your New Smile
(Post-Treatment Sensations)
It’s normal to notice some minor sensations or differences in the days after bonding, so don’t worry if you feel any of the following:
Mild sensitivity: You may experience slight sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures for a few days. This is completely normal and should ease within a week as your tooth adjusts. If needed, you can use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth to help minimize discomfort. Sensitivity that lasts longer than a week or gets worse is not typical – please let us know if that happens.
Odd feeling or tightness: Your bonded tooth (or teeth) might feel a little “different” or have a sense of tightness right after treatment. You could notice your bite feels slightly off or the edges of your teeth feel new to your tongue. This is usually just because you’re not used to the improved shape yet. After a few days of chewing and speaking, things should feel normal again as you adapt.
Minor roughness or edges: We polish bonded teeth to be smooth, but if you do feel any rough or sharp spots with your tongue, or if your bite isn’t comfortable, contact us for a quick adjustment. A quick polish or tiny fix can make it perfect. Don’t be shy – we want your bite to feel natural and comfy!
Foods & Drinks: What to Avoid (and Enjoy) Long-Term
Composite bonding isn’t as porous as natural teeth, but it can still stain or wear over time. Being mindful of your diet will keep your smile bright:
Limit stain-prone items: Even after the first 48 hours, try to moderate your intake of coffee, dark tea, red wine, curries, soy sauce, and cola, as these can tint the resin over time. When you do enjoy them, consider using a straw for drinks and rinsing your mouth with water afterward to reduce contact.
Mind acidic and hard foods: Extremely acidic drinks (like soda) or very hard foods (like hard candies, ice, or popcorn kernels) can wear down bonding or cause chips. It’s wise to minimize very hard or crunchy foods and never crunch ice or use your teeth to crack nuts, etc. Treat your bonded teeth with the same care you would natural teeth to avoid fractures.
No smoking, please: Smoking and chewing tobacco not only stain the bonding but can also shorten its lifespan. Keeping tobacco out of your routine will help your bonding (and your natural teeth and gums) stay healthier and brighter.
Alcohol considerations: Excessive alcohol consumption can, over a long time, potentially weaken the bond of the composite to your tooth. Also, avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes – opt for alcohol-free versions to keep your bonding strong.
Oral Hygiene Tips for Bonded Teeth
Great news – taking care of bonded teeth isn’t very different from normal teeth! Keep up a good oral care routine to maintain your smile:
Brush gently but thoroughly: Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and a non-abrasive, fluoride toothpaste. This protects both your natural teeth and the bonded areas. Abrasive toothpaste (like smoker or whitening pastes) can scratch or dull the composite surface, so it’s best to avoid those.
Floss daily: Continue flossing between all your teeth once a day. Bonded teeth need clean in-between surfaces to stay healthy. Use a gentle touch and don’t “snap” the floss aggressively around the bonding to avoid dislodging anything. If traditional floss is tricky, try floss picks or interdental brushes. The goal is to keep your gums and the edges of the bonding free of plaque.
Rinse with mouthwash: Use an alcohol-free mouthwash to freshen up and reduce bacteria (alcohol-based rinses aren’t ideal for composite). A fluoride mouthwash is a great choice for strengthening your teeth and preventing decay.
Professional cleanings: Visit us for your regular dental cleanings and check-ups (usually every 6 months). Our team can carefully polish your bonded teeth during cleanings, which helps prevent stain buildup long-term. Regular check-ups also let us ensure the bonding is holding up well and catch any issues early.
Habits to Avoid (Protecting Your Bonding)
Composite bonding is durable, but it’s not indestructible. You should avoid certain habits to prevent chips or wear:
No nail biting or pen chewing: Using your teeth as tools or chewing on non-food items (like pens, pencils, fingernails or ice) can chip the bonding. Break those nervous habits to keep your smile intact.
Don’t use teeth as tools: Never use your teeth to tear open packages, bottle caps, or tape. This kind of pressure can crack the bonding (and even your natural teeth).
Be careful with hard or sticky foods: Foods like hard candies, toffees, peanut brittle, crusty breads, or olive pits can crack or pull at bonded material. Cut up apples or crunchy foods into smaller pieces and chew them on back teeth (away from the bonded fronts) if possible. Avoid chewing ice altogether.
Nighttime grinding/clenching: If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism) or clench your jaw, please use a nightguard to protect your bonding. Grinding can wear down or fracture the composite just like it can damage natural teeth. A custom nightguard from us will create a protective cushion.
Sports safety: Similarly, if you play contact sports, wear a mouthguard to shield your bonded teeth from any impact. A hit to the mouth could chip bonding, so it’s better to be safe.
Maintenance & Longevity of Your Bonding
With proper care, your composite bonding can last for many years before needing touch-ups or replacement. Here’s what to expect and how to help it last:
Typical lifespan: Bonding can last anywhere from 5 to 8 years on average – and sometimes even longer – when cared for well. Its longevity depends on your habits (diet, biting forces, oral care). Many patients enjoy their bonded smile for close to a decade with excellent home care.
Keep up with check-ups: Consistent dental visits are key. We’ll monitor your bonding at each exam to make sure it’s intact and smooth. If we spot early wear or small issues, we can often repair them easily. Polishing or minor refurbishing can refresh the appearance without needing to redo the bonding entirely.
Touch-ups are normal: Don’t be surprised if after several years you need a little maintenance on your bonding. Small chips or staining can be fixed by adding a bit of new resin or repolishing the surface – a quick and straightforward process. Think of it like maintaining a car: a little upkeep will keep it looking perfect.
What about whitening? Keep in mind that whitening treatments won’t change the color of composite bonding (they only work on natural tooth enamel). If you plan to whiten, it’s best to do it before bonding or have us color-match your bonding to your whitened teeth. Over time, if your bonded teeth discolor, we can replace or polish the resin to brighten them again.
When to Contact Calm Dental
We want you to love your smile, so please reach out if you encounter any issues or have concerns after your bonding treatment. Call us if:
You chip or crack the bonding: If part of your bonded tooth breaks or feels loose, let us know right away. Bonding can often be repaired quickly to restore the look and seal of the tooth.
You feel a sharp or rough edge: Your tongue will likely notice if a bit of bonding has come loose or if an edge wasn’t perfectly smooth. Don’t hesitate to come in so we can smooth or fix it. It’s a quick fix to polish away any roughness for your comfort.
Your bite feels “off”: After bonding, your teeth should come together comfortably. If your bite feels misaligned or you’re hitting the bonded tooth first when chewing, we may need to adjust the bonding slightly. A simple adjustment can prevent bite issues or soreness.
Persistent sensitivity or pain: Some sensitivity is normal in the first few days, but if you have throbbing pain or sensitivity that lasts more than about a week, give us a call. We’ll want to check that everything is okay and help you get comfortable.
Staining or color changes: If you notice a bonded tooth is discoloring significantly or developing dark spots that don’t brush off, let us examine it. While some staining over years is expected, uneven color or sudden changes might need a professional polish or repair.
Anything worries you: Bottom line – if it doesn’t feel right, looks odd, or you’re just unsure about something, we’re here to help. It’s better to have peace of mind and we’re always happy to check your teeth.
Enjoy your beautiful new smile and the confidence that comes with it! By following these tips, you’ll keep your bonded teeth in top shape for as long as possible. Calm Dental is always here if you need advice or care. Happy smiling!
Calm Dental – Unit 1E, 2 New Tannery Way, London SE1 5ZW – calmdental.co.uk.