Discoloration can happen for numerous different reasons, including the use of tobacco products, drinking pigmented beverages, and aging. While it’s natural, staining is still something that we consider unsightly and become self-conscious of. Fortunately, teeth whitening is available to help patients get the beautiful pearly whites that they have always dreamed of. But what if you have had dental bonding in the past? Can you still have your teeth whitened? Here’s what you need to know.
Can Dental Bonding Be Whitened?
Bonding material does not respond to the whitening agents used as well as your enamel does. Dental bonding comes in numerous shades so that it can be color matched to blend in with the rest of your smile, but it isn’t affected by teeth whitening treatments. This is because bonding resin is nonporous. The whitening agent isn’t able to penetrate it and work out the stains.
How Can You Whiten Bonded Teeth?
Ultimately, if you’re going to whiten your teeth, you should do this before you have your bonding procedure. This way, your teeth will be color matched at their whitest and everything will match perfectly at the shade you prefer. If you already have had bonding, you will have to have it replaced in order to get the seamless results that you are looking for. If you don’t, you will likely end up with an uneven tone that will not be nearly as cosmetically appealing.
How Does Professional Teeth Whitening Work?
There are two different options when it comes to professional teeth whitening:
- In-Office Teeth Whitening: If you opt for in-office teeth whitening, your lips and gums will first be covered so the whitening agent doesn’t damage your soft tissues. Next, the concentrated whitening gel will be applied to the surface of your teeth. It needs to sit on your teeth for about 45 minutes. In just one visit, your smile could be up to 10 shades whiter!
- Take-Home Teeth Whitening: If you would prefer to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home, you can opt for take-home teeth whitening. Custom application trays will be crafted to fit your unique smile, and you will be given a professional grade whitening gel to fit your needs.
Dental bonding and teeth whitening may not be a good match, but this doesn’t mean that you need to settle for discoloration. By having your bonding replaced, you can work towards the whiter smile that you’re dreaming of!
About the Author
Earned her dental doctorate from the Oklahoma University College of Dentistry and has been working in the field for well over two decades. She offers both in-office and take-home professional teeth whitening for patients who want to brighten up their smile. For more information or to schedule an appointment at her office in Plano, visit her website or call (972) 618-1111.
