Dental bonding is a next-level marvel in the world of dentistry. You can get rid of a chipped or cracked tooth with ease and without showing that you got a treatment done. But you might wonder, can bonded teeth be whitened? Well, the answer is yes. You can get it done, but there are certain limitations to it.
While traditional teeth whitening options might not work on the composite bonding, there are ways to deal with this.
Why Can You Not Whiten Bonded Teeth?
Let’s get to the heart of the matter, why can’t bonded teeth be whitened using traditional methods?
In a nutshell, the material used for dental bonding by dentists does not respond to traditional teeth whitening treatments. But why is that?
The material of dental bonding is not porous.
Traditionally, teeth whitening works by seeping inside the porous enamel of your teeth and removing stains accumulated over time. However, the resin material for dental bonding is not porous and does not let anything go through. This means that the whitening agents cannot penetrate the resin to remove any stains.
As a matter of fact, trying to whiten bonding on teeth using traditional teeth whitening treatments actually damages the resin part, making it noticeable.
The reason behind it is that the whitening agents cause the resin to discolor or even break down, leading to a patchy and uneven appearance.
Alternative Solutions for Whitening Bonding On Teeth
So, if traditional whitening treatments do not work, what can be done? Fortunately, there are alternative solutions available.
One of the most sought-after methods for whitening bonding on teeth is their replacement with new bonding material entirely. Your dentist, in this procedure, will remove the old bonding material and replace it with a new material that is lighter in color.
Next, there is another option to have porcelain veneers placed over the bonded teeth. Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain material, custom-made to fit over the frontal area of the teeth. They are very stain-resistant and provide a long-lasting solution for discolored teeth.
However, it is essential to note that both of these options will need a visit to the dentist. All are professional dental procedures and should be done with immense care.
But they do offer a significant change in the look of your bonded teeth and are a well-worth investment.
Final Note
All in all, while teeth bonding is a fantastic cosmetic solution for your chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth, they cannot be whitened using any traditional teeth whitening treatments.
The dental bonding is nonporous and is not living tissues; therefore, whitening agents cannot go in and work their magic on the stains.
If you are interested in improving the appearance of your bonded teeth, we recommend consulting with a dental care professional from Spring Branch Dental Group. For more information, contact us at (832) 548-1533. Our dental office can be found at 9738 Katy Fwy #400, Houston, TX 77055, United States, right beside Pearle Vision.