As a greater number of people begin to desire a whiter, brighter smile, the prevalence of teeth whitening as a cosmetic dental treatment has continued to rise. It’s easy to see why. The treatments are easy, and some treatments can be done in as little as an hour in-office.
However, dental bonding material has unique properties that can pose a challenge for traditional whitening methods. So, what can you do if you’ve had cosmetic dental bonding in the past?
Continue reading to explore the possibilities and limitations of whitening bonded teeth and gain valuable insights to help you achieve your desired results.
Why is Dental Bonding Material Resistant to Whitening?
The material for cosmetic dental bonding treatments is made from a composite resin that is biocompatible—it’s non-toxic and won’t disturb the natural state of your mouth. This resin is also nonporous.
Despite being solid and the hardest substance in the human body, the enamel of your teeth is full of microscopic holes called pores that allow them to absorb vitamins and minerals from the food you eat.
Unfortunately, this also means that anything that colors food or drink can absorb into the enamel of your teeth, leaving them stained.
Since the composite resin used in dental bonding doesn’t have these pores, it cannot be affected by the whitening solutions that penetrate the enamel in the same way to whiten teeth.
Can I Update My Bonded Teeth?
Since the color of the bonding material is chosen at the time of your treatment, the best time to whiten your teeth is before the procedure. However, if you’ve already had a dental bonding treatment, you can have your bonding treatment updated.
To update the bonding, your dentist will remove the old resin, and replace it with a new, updated shade to match your soon-to-be-whitened teeth. If your bonding is more than ten years old, or is showing signs of sufficient wear and tear, this option might be best.
Is There Another Option for Whitening if I’ve Already Had Bonding?
Yes! Another option is to have your bonded teeth treated with porcelain veneers. These hard, ceramic shells are cemented to the front of your teeth and shaped to make them match with the rest of your smile.
Veneers are also stain-resistant, so if you whiten the rest of your teeth, and stick to a good oral hygiene regimen, they’ll fit right in to give you a healthy, natural-looking grin.
So, while you may not be able to whiten bonded teeth using conventional methods, there are alternative cosmetic solutions to help you achieve a brighter and more confident smile. As with all treatments, talking with your dentist and making a plan is the best first step.
About the Practice
The Lake Nona Dental Group takes pride in offering high-end dental treatments with the comfort of a friendly family-oriented environment. Their team wants to change the perception of dentistry for the better one patient at a time. With advanced dental technology, and highly qualified dentists, they’re poised to make your experience fast, convenient, and anxiety free. To schedule a teeth whitening appointment, visit the website here or call (407) 277-1779 for more information.
