Cosmetic dental bonding is a common treatment whereby a tooth-coloured resin is used to repair chipped, cracked, or spaced-apart teeth. So, if you have teeth bonding near you, you probably have some questions about whether you can whiten your teeth with dental bonding.
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a process which a dentist uses to improve the appearance of your teeth. A dentist applies a tooth-coloured material on your teeth known as a resin to the affected teeth. This resin also aids in concealing some of the problems that are present on the surface of the teeth like chips, gaps or stain marks. It is a simple and quick procedure that is often done in just one visit to the dentist. Bonding can also shield your teeth from further harm or decay.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
These methods involve the use of special gels or trays that contain bleaching agents. These agents work to eliminate the stains from the surface of your teeth and make them look whiter.
One of the most common bleaching agents is hydrogen peroxide. When you use these products, they penetrate through your tooth enamel and lighten the colour of your teeth. This process works best on natural teeth but can be rather tricky when bonding is involved.
Do Bonded Teeth Turn Yellow?
Yes, bonded teeth can turn yellow with time just like natural teeth. However, bonded teeth do not stain easily, just like natural teeth, they can still turn yellow due to food, drinks or smoking. Over time the bonding material loses its colour and gets stained by food and drinks like coffee, tea, or certain foods.
To keep your bonded teeth looking their best, it’s important to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. This will help prevent surface stains and keep your smile looking fresh.
Can You Whiten Teeth With Dental Bonding?
This is a bit more complicated. The short answer is: yes, but there are some important things to consider.
- Bonding Materials Do Not Whiten: The resin used in dental bonding does not change colour when you use teeth whitening products. So, while your natural teeth may lighten, the bonded areas will remain the same.
- Colour Difference: If you whiten your natural teeth, you may notice a difference between the whitened teeth and the bonded areas. This can make your smile appear uneven.
- Talk to Your Dentist: Before attempting to whiten your teeth, it’s crucial to talk to your dentist. They’ll assess your teeth and advise you on the best course of action. In most cases, your dentist will recommend waiting to whiten your teeth until your bonding needs replacing.
What Are Your Options?
If you want a brighter smile but have dental bonding, here are some options to consider:
- Professional Whitening: Your dentist can perform professional whitening in-office, which is often stronger and more effective than over-the-counter products. This may give you better results without worrying about colour differences.
- Replacement of Bonding: If you want your bonding to match the colour of your newly whitened teeth, your dentist can replace the old bonding with a new layer that matches the whitened shade.
- Avoid DIY Whitening Kits: Many DIY whitening kits can be harmful, especially if you have bonding. Always consult your dentist before using any whitening treatments to avoid damage to your bonding.
- Good Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is key to keeping both your natural teeth and bonded areas looking great. Brush regularly and floss to help prevent staining.
How Do You Fix Permanent Yellow Teeth?
If your bonded teeth are yellow or no longer match your natural teeth, you may need to replace the bonding material. Unfortunately, there’s no way to whiten the resin itself. Here’s what you can do:
- Consult Your Dentist: The first step is to visit your dentist. They can assess the condition of your bonding and discuss options for improvement. Sometimes, the bonding will need to be replaced to match the colour of your natural teeth.
- Teeth Whitening for Natural Teeth: Your dentist may suggest whitening treatments for your natural teeth before replacing the bonding. This ensures that the bonding will match the shade of your newly whitened teeth.
- Replacement of Bonding: Once your natural teeth are whitened, your dentist can replace the old bonding with a new layer that matches the colour of your teeth.
- Veneers or Crowns: In some cases, if bonding alone isn’t enough, your dentist may recommend veneers or crowns, which are custom-made to match the colour of your teeth after whitening.
By following these steps and working with your dentist, you can achieve a beautiful, bright smile that you’ll love!
Key Takeaway
Whitening your teeth is possible when you have dental bonding, but there are special considerations. The bonding material will not change colour, so it’s important to discuss your options with your dentist. They can help guide you to make the best decision for a brighter smile!
Transform Your Smile With Bonding Treatment Today!
At Aspire Smiles, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve an attractive smile. Our expert team of dentist in Sherwood Park provides dental bonding treatments to fix chips, cracks, and gaps, giving you a natural, confident smile. Whether you need minor touch-ups or a complete transformation, we’re here to make it happen.
Book your appointment now and start your journey to a perfect smile!