ever had to rush your kid to the dentist unexpectedly?

I've actually heard dentists say bonding typically lasts anywhere from 5 to 10 years, depending on how well you care for it and your eating habits. My sister had hers done about 7 years ago, and just recently had to get a touch-up because of some minor chipping. Nothing major, though. Sounds like your kiddo lucked out with the staining issue—some people just have teeth that are more forgiving, I guess... wish mine were like that!

"My sister had hers done about 7 years ago, and just recently had to get a touch-up because of some minor chipping. Nothing major, though."

That's pretty consistent with what I've experienced too. My oldest had bonding done on his front tooth after a soccer mishap about 6 years ago. It held up surprisingly well until last summer when he bit into a particularly stubborn granola bar (lesson learned: avoid the extra crunchy ones). We ended up at the dentist unexpectedly the next morning, but thankfully it was an easy fix.

I agree about the staining—some teeth just seem naturally resistant. Unfortunately, my family didn't win that genetic lottery either... coffee and tea stains are practically our family crest at this point. But regular cleanings and being mindful of certain foods definitely help prolong the bonding's lifespan.

We had a similar experience with my daughter—she chipped her bonded tooth biting into an apple slice, of all things. It wasn't even a particularly hard one, just hit at exactly the wrong angle. Of course, it happened on a Friday evening (because when else would dental mishaps occur?), so we had to wait until Monday morning to get it fixed. She was pretty self-conscious about it all weekend, but thankfully the dentist sorted it out quickly.

I agree about the staining issue too. I've noticed that using a straw for coffee or tea helps a bit, though it's not exactly practical for hot drinks. My dentist also recommended rinsing with water right after drinking anything dark-colored, and it's actually made a noticeable difference. Small habits seem to go a long way in keeping bonding looking decent between touch-ups.

"Of course, it happened on a Friday evening (because when else would dental mishaps occur?)"

Haha, isn't that always the case? Dental emergencies seem to have a sixth sense for weekends or holidays. Glad your daughter got it sorted quickly though. Have you noticed if certain foods besides apples tend to cause more issues with the bonding? I've had patients mention carrots or granola bars being sneaky culprits too... Curious if anyone else has found particular snacks unexpectedly risky.

"Dental emergencies seem to have a sixth sense for weekends or holidays."

Haha, seriously, it's like teeth know exactly when the dentist's office closes. My son once chipped his bonding on popcorn of all things—popcorn! I never would've guessed something so light and fluffy could cause trouble, but apparently those sneaky unpopped kernels hide at the bottom of the bowl waiting to strike. I've also heard from friends that chewy candies or even bagels can be surprisingly problematic. Bagels seem innocent enough, but they're dense and sticky enough to pull off bonding or loosen fillings if you're not careful. Makes me wonder if there's any snack that's truly safe...