Cosmetic dental bonding is a versatile solution that can address several aesthetic oral issues that might detract from your appearance. During this procedure, your dentist applies putty-like composite resin directly to your tooth and molds it into the perfect shape. Next, they harden it with a special ultraviolet curing light. This method can mend or mask everything from chips and cracks to misshapen teeth to stubborn stains.
Furthermore, the material can be customized to match the shade of your natural teeth for seamless results. However, if your grin has grown darker over the years, you might wonder whether your bonded tooth can be whitened. If you’re curious, keep reading to learn more about it!
Can Dental Bonding Stain?
Although they appear to be completely smooth on the surface, your teeth are covered in tiny pores. These can easily trap strongly pigmented particles, like tannins, from dark foods and drinks. As a result, culprits like berries, coffee, tea, and wine can stick to your enamel and leave it looking more yellow or brown than pearly white.
However, if you have a tooth that has been treated with dental bonding, you might notice that it isn’t as discolored as the rest of your smile. The composite resin is nonporous, meaning that it doesn’t soak up stains the same way. However, with enough repeated or prolonged exposure, this material can also eventually start to look worse for wear.
Can Bonded Teeth Be Whitened?
When your teeth start looking dark and drab, one easy way to upgrade your appearance is to see your dentist for professional whitening services. However, topical bleaches aren’t effective on dental bonding, so you might end up with mismatched hues. As a result, it’s usually recommended that you brighten your teeth before getting dental bonding so you can have the composite resin matched to the lighter shade.
How Can I Brighten My Smile After Dental Bonding?
If you’ve already undergone the procedure and are looking for solutions to enhance your grin, there are other ways your dentist can help! Although topical bleaches probably won’t do the trick, other cosmetic services can address your more recent discoloration. For example, they can reapply dental bonding with an upgraded hue that matches the new tone of your smile. If that’s not ideal, they can also provide a veneer. These thin shells are color-matched to natural teeth and attached to the front surface to mask imperfections.
If you’re concerned that your dental bonding keeps you from achieving a bright, white smile, the best way to improve your appearance is to consult your dentist!
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Skupny has 15+ years of experience improving patients’ lives by increasing their dental health. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Now, he is a proud member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and several other prestigious organizations. He’s dedicated to giving you the one-on-one attention you deserve so he can tailor treatment plans to meet your unique needs. Then, he utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to enhance your comfort and the accuracy of the results. If you’re interested in teeth whitening, you can request an appointment on the website or call (239) 261-5566.