Have you already gotten direct bonding treatment? If so, then you’re likely enjoying the benefits of restoring your pearly whites from minor imperfections. However, you might also wish to brighten your entire smile for an enhanced appearance. But can you whiten bonded teeth like natural ones? Read on to learn how they respond to teeth whitening treatment and additional options you should consider!
How Does Direct Bonding Respond to Teeth Whitening?
One of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures is teeth whitening. This provides a simple and effective method to remove discoloration and stubborn stains from your smile. While this treatment works well with your natural pearly whites, the bleaching agents actually won’t affect bonded teeth the same way. This is because the bonding resin isn’t porous like your real smile, which is exactly what the whitening ingredients target when enhancing your teeth.
What Are My Options for Whitening Bonded Teeth?
Since tooth-whitening products don’t improve the bonding resin, the best time to lighten your natural teeth is before your direct bonding procedure. In this way, the composite material can match the same color as your permanent smile.
If you’ve already received bonding treatment, then you’ll have to whiten your teeth in the following methods:
- Replace the stained resin with new bonding that matches your brightened smile—especially if it’s more than 10 years old or has become worn down.
- Consider getting porcelain veneers instead to completely cover up the stained bonded teeth.
How Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Work?
Should you decide to go with new direct bonding, your dentist will first provide a tooth whitening procedure. Unlike the OTC products you might find at your local store, an in-office treatment will offer the professional-grade agents that are best and safest for your smile. Your dentist will use a pre-filled custom tray to evenly distribute the whitening gel on your teeth, and then use an LED light to penetrate any stains. After about 20 minutes, you’ll be able to notice your pearly whites are significantly brighter.
So, if you’re interested in updating your direct bonding and whitening your teeth, consult your dentist about your best options. Once your treatments are completed, you can feel confident with a new and improved smile!
About the Author
Dr. James Kirby has been providing outstanding, comprehensive, and passionate dental care for Nashville, TN and the surrounding communities for over a decade. He loves helping patients achieve and maintain great dental health, especially with cosmetic dentistry. He offers multiple treatments, including direct bonding, veneers, and the Sinsational whitening system. If you’d like schedule a consultation for whitening your smile, feel free to visit our website or call 615-327-2123.