Dental bonding treatment is a popular cosmetic dental treatment used to repair and reshape teeth, creating a brighter and more symmetrical smile. However, if you’ve noticed that your bonding no longer matches the whiteness of your natural teeth, you might be pondering as to whether whitening is safe or appropriate in this situation. In this guide, we’ll explore the nuances of whitening composite dental treatment, how to maintain its appearance, and the treatments available at Tooth Club.
Can You Whiten Composite Bonding?
In short, composite bonding cannot be whitened with traditional teeth whitening treatments. This is because the resin material used in composite bonding does not react to whitening agents the same way natural enamel does. Teeth whitening products are designed to break down stains on natural teeth, but they won’t affect the colour of the composite resin.
If your composite bonding has discoloured or no longer matches your natural teeth, there are alternative solutions to restore its appearance.
Why Doesn’t Composite Bonding Whiten?
Composite bonding is made from a resin material that is colour-matched to your teeth at the time of treatment. Unlike enamel, which is porous and can absorb stains, composite resin is non-porous and does not respond to peroxide-based whitening agents.
Over time, composite bonding can accumulate surface stains from foods, drinks, or smoking, but these stains sit on the surface and can often be polished away by your dentist. However, deep discolouration or a mismatch in shade may require replacing the bonding.
How to Maintain the Colour of Composite Bonding
To keep your composite bonding looking fresh and matching your natural teeth, follow these tips:
- Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks: Minimise consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and other pigmented substances. Rinse your mouth with water after consuming them.
- Quit Smoking: Tobacco can cause significant staining on both natural teeth and composite bonding.
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily with non-abrasive toothpaste and floss regularly to remove plaque and prevent surface stains.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Schedule professional cleanings to remove any surface stains on your composite bonding.
What to Do If Composite Bonding Discolours
If your composite bonding has become stained or discoloured, there are several options to restore its appearance:
- Polishing the Bonding: Your dentist can polish the surface of the bonding to remove surface stains and restore its shine.
- Replacing the Bonding: If the bonding no longer matches your natural teeth, your dentist may recommend replacing it. This involves removing the old resin and applying a new layer that matches your current tooth colour.
- Teeth Whitening Before Replacing Bonding: If you’re considering whitening your natural teeth, it’s best to do so before replacing your composite bonding. This ensures the new bonding matches your whitened teeth.
How Tooth Club Can Help
At Tooth Club, we specialise in both composite bonding and teeth whitening treatments to help you achieve your dream smile. Here’s what we offer:
- Expert Composite Bonding: Our experienced cosmetic dentists provide durable and natural-looking bonding solutions tailored to your needs.
- Professional Polishing: We can refresh your bonding by removing surface stains and restoring its appearance.
- Customised Whitening Plans: We offer professional teeth whitening treatments starting from just £165 for patients looking to whiten their teeth.
- Affordable Solutions: With flexible payment plans, including 0% finance options, achieving a bright smile is more accessible than ever.