Composite bonding is a popular cosmetic dental treatment that uses tooth-colored resin material to repair damaged teeth. It can be used to fix chips, cracks, discoloration, and small gaps between teeth. Many patients wonder if you can floss normally with composite bonding in place. The good news is that flossing is absolutely possible and recommended for optimal oral health.
What is composite bonding?
Composite bonding is applied by the dentist in a dental office. The process involves:
- Preparing the tooth surface – The dentist roughens the damaged area of the tooth slightly to help the composite material adhere properly.
- Applying bonding agent – A special bonding liquid is applied to the prepared tooth surface to help the composite stick to the teeth.
- Applying composite resin – The dentist sculpts the putty-like, tooth-colored composite material over the damaged area and shapes it for a natural look.
- Using a special light – The dentist hardens the composite resin with a special curing light.
- Polishing – Once hardened, the composite is smoothed and polished for a natural sheen.
The resin bonds securely to the natural tooth structure for a seamless, repaired appearance. The composite can be shaped for the most natural-looking fix for chips, gaps, discoloration, misshapen teeth, and more. Unlike dental fillings that require removing healthy tooth structure, composite bonding conserves natural tooth enamel.
Can you floss with composite bonding?
Yes, you can and should floss normally with composite bonding in place. Flossing is critical for removing plaque and food debris from areas between teeth and under the gumline that brushing alone cannot reach. Consistent flossing helps prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Composite resin bonds securely and smoothly to the natural tooth structure. Floss is easily able to slide between the composite material and adjacent teeth. Patients should floss once daily as part of their oral hygiene routine, taking care to gently guide the floss between teeth and avoid snapping the floss down forcefully.
With proper flossing technique, the composite bond should remain intact. Avoid sawing motions as this can damage the resin over time. Use a gentle motion and allow the floss to hug the shape of each tooth to remove debris effectively.
Flossing tips with composite bonding
Follow these tips for easy, effective flossing with composite resin bonds:
- Use a soft nylon string floss or tape floss – This is gentlest on resin bonds.
- Avoid wax-coated flosses – The wax can leave residue that contributes to plaque buildup.
- Use a floss threader if needed – For tight contacts, a floss threader can help guide floss into place.
- Floss before brushing – Flossing first helps loosen debris so brushing is more effective.
- Take your time – Move the floss slowly and gently to avoid snapping it against composite bonds.
- Floss away from the gums – Floss up and down against the side of each tooth, not into the gums.
- Rinse away debris – Rinse your mouth thoroughly after flossing to remove dislodged plaque and food.
- Don’t skip! – Floss daily as part of your oral hygiene routine.
With daily flossing, patients can help composite bonds last long term. Avoid picking at bonds with fingers, fingernails, or other objects as this can damage the resin over time. See your dentist regularly so they can examine your oral health, composite bonds, and recommend care.
The benefits of flossing with composite bonds
Flossing provides many oral health benefits when you have composite resin bonds:
- Prevents tooth decay – Flossing removes plaque that can lead to cavities if allowed to accumulate.
- Promotes gum health – Flossing helps prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease by removing bacteria below the gumline.
- Maintains bonds – Proper flossing helps composite bonds last longer versus damaging them over time.
- Freshens breath – Flossing dislodges odor-causing bacteria and food debris for fresher breath.
- Completes care – Flossing gets to areas brushing misses for more complete daily oral hygiene.
- Saves money – Good flossing technique helps avoid costly dental issues like decay and gum disease.
In addition to flossing, patients should brush twice daily, see the dentist regularly, and avoid smoking to help composite bonds look their best long term. Proper home care coupled with professional cleanings is the key to success.
Potential issues
Flossing with composite resin can sometimes be challenging in certain situations:
- Tight contacts – Teeth that are very close together can make flossing difficult but keep trying with care.
- Large restorations – Very large composite restorations may hinder the floss from hugging the tooth shape.
- Poor bond margins – Rough bond edges next to the teeth can catch floss and should be smoothed by your dentist.
Discuss any flossing difficulties at your next dental visit. Areas that are hard to clean need extra attention to keep plaque in check. Your dentist can advise you on the safest flossing methods for your unique situation.
When to avoid flossing
Flossing should generally always be performed safely with composite bonds. However, contact your dentist if you notice:
- New sensitivity when flossing – This may indicate an issue with the bond or tooth that needs evaluation.
- Bleeding gums – Consistent bleeding when flossing could mean gum disease and requires dental attention.
- Floss shredding – If floss frays and shreds repeatedly, rough areas of bonds may need smoothing.
- Visible bond damage – Discontinuation in the resin or cracks warrant an exam to prevent further damage.
- Floss getting frequently stuck – Tight contacts may need adjustment by a dentist to allow floss to pass through.
Temporary flossing discomfort is normal for the first week after a new composite bond is placed. If problems persist beyond that, call your dentist to assess the area. Serious issues should never be ignored.
Professional care
In addition to diligent daily flossing, be sure to maintain regular professional cleanings and exams to monitor your oral health and composite resin bonds. Your dentist and hygienist will:
- Clean areas you can’t reach – Remove stuck-on plaque below the gumline and between tight contacts.
- Smooth rough spots – Polish away roughness on resin bonds or tooth surfaces that can impede flossing.
- Check for decay – Detect and treat any cavities early before they damage underlying tooth structure.
- Assess gum health – Monitor for signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease.
- Examine bonds – Evaluate the integrity of composite resin bonds and replace any that are damaged.
Follow your dentist’s advice on recare intervals between cleanings. Some patients need professional care more frequently than every 6 months due to oral health considerations. Staying on top of visits ensures your smile looks its best.
Frequently asked questions
Is flossing necessary if I brush well?
Yes, flossing is a must because it removes plaque between teeth that brushing misses. Brushing alone is not enough for complete oral hygiene.
Can I use oral irrigators instead of flossing?
Oral irrigators can supplement flossing but not replace the mechanical cleaning from string floss or tape sliding between tight tooth contacts. Floss helps disrupt plaque that can form between teeth.
How often should I floss with composite bonding?
You should floss thoroughly once per day. Consistent daily flossing helps prevent gum disease and dental decay. Take the time to floss carefully, without damaging composite bonds.
What areas need extra attention when flossing?
Pay particular attention to flossing right at the gumline, between tight teeth, and around composite bond margins. These areas are most prone to plaque buildup when flossing is neglected over time.
Will flossing damage my composite bonds?
Flossing should not damage properly placed composite resin restorations. Use a gentle sawing motion and avoid snapping floss forcefully against bonds to prevent damage long term. See your dentist if bonds ever crack, chip or come loose when flossing.
Conclusion
Composite resin bonding allows for a conservative, tooth-colored restoration to fix many cosmetic dental flaws. Patients wonder if this material gets in the way of proper flossing between their teeth. Happily, flossing is not obstructed by bonded composites as long as proper flossing technique is used consistently and with care.
Daily flossing remains critical for optimal gum health and preventing tooth decay, even with dental bonding in place. Use a soft, nylon string floss and move it gently between teeth to remove plaque and debris without damaging resin bonds. Supplement daily home flossing with regular professional cleanings and exams. With good oral hygiene habits, composite bonds should look beautiful for many years to come.