Dental bonding is a remarkable treatment that can quickly and beautifully reshape the teeth and hide aesthetic flaws. It uses a composite resin that is shade-matched to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding dentition. But what if you want to change the color of your smile? Can you whiten bonded teeth in Needham? Doing so can be a little complicated. Read on below to learn how you can brighten up your entire smile, including your bonded teeth.
Bonding Does Not Respond to Whitening Agents
Natural teeth are porous. When a whitening formula is applied to them, it can easily penetrate the pores in order to break up pigment molecules that are causing stains and discoloration.
The resin that is used for dental bonding in Needham, on the other hand, is not porous. Whitening agents, whether they are in an over-the-counter product or a professional whitening kit, cannot seep into the resin in order to remove unwanted pigments. (Unfortunately, despite the nonporous nature of resin, it is not impervious to stains. Like other plastic-based products, it can easily become discolored over time.)
Therefore, if you attempt to whiten your teeth when you have bonding (or any other type of restoration), your natural teeth will become brighter. However, your treated teeth will retain their appearance. This can result in a mismatched smile.
How to Whiten Bonded Teeth
Schedule a cosmetic consultation with your dentist. Let them know that you would like to whiten your smile, and they will tell you what options you have for teeth whitening in Needham. Depending on your circumstances, they might recommend one of the following:
- New bonding. If your bonding is several years old, you are likely getting close to the time to replace it anyway. After you whiten your natural teeth, you can get new resin placed that matches your smile’s new, brighter color.
- Veneers. A veneer is a custom piece of porcelain that is attached to the outward-facing surface of a tooth. Veneers are a premium alternative to bonding, so you may choose to get one to upgrade the appearance of a previously treated tooth. A big advantage of veneers is that, unlike resin, it is highly resistant to stains. Once you receive one, you can expect it to retain its natural, beautiful color for many years.
Protecting Your Bonding from Stains
Since whitening bonded teeth can be a little tricky, it is wise to do all you can to prevent them from getting stained in the first place. A thorough oral hygiene routine can help. It is also wise to minimize your intake of staining foods and beverages, such as coffee, red wine, berries, and tomato-based items. Regular professional dental cleanings are important as well.
Whitening bonded teeth is possible, but it is not simple. Your cosmetic dentist will be happy to help you reach your aesthetic goals for your smile.
Meet the Practice
The team of dentists and specialists at Gillis Dental offer a broad range of cosmetic treatments, including bonding, veneers, and professional teeth whitening. If you would like to enhance your smile’s appearance, we would be pleased to serve you. Contact us at 781-202-6357.