Composite bonding refers to the process of patching teeth that have rotted, chipped, fractured or stained. The procedure consists of putting a tooth-coloured resin material on the teeth and then hardening it with a special light so that it fuses with the tooth, thus improving its appearance. People frequently ask whether they can whiten their composite bonding especially if over time it has become discoloured.
In this blog, we will learn if is it possible to lighten composite bonding or not. Here we go!
What is Composite Bonding?
Cosmetic dentistry uses durable aesthetic materials called composites for various treatments like fillings, veneers and bonding. The idea is to match them with your natural dental shade as closely as possible thereby achieving seamless results. These resins may still get stained or discoloured over a period due to multiple factors including poor oral hygiene, smoking and dietary habits.
Why Doesn’t Traditional Whitening Work on Composite Bonding?
Professional teeth whitening systems and over-the-counter rely on penetrating natural tooth enamel and dentine to disrupt any stains underneath thereby reducing tooth colour shade. However, this approach doesn’t yield similar outcomes when used with resin composites because they do not react like natural teeth do during such procedures. Composite resins are non-porous materials which means that they lack the absorbent properties necessary for incorporating bleach contained in most whitening preparations. Thus, these products can make your real teeth lighter in colour and they won’t affect bonded areas at all.
Options for Improving the Appearance of Composite Bonding
Let’s explore one by one:
Professional cleaning and polishing:
Surface stains left by food, drinks or smoking may accumulate on composite bonding over time. A professional clean and polish done by your dentist can get rid of these surface stains. This process makes a visible difference especially where discolouration is not very deep.
Replacement or recolouring:
This involves removing all old resins before applying them afresh so that they match the white shade achieved after tooth whitening treatment has been completed on other adjacent dentine surfaces too. Sometimes even just changing shades might help depending upon how much lighter darker areas are present around restorations.
Composite veneers:
These are thin shells made up mostly of resinous materials like composites which can then be cemented onto front surfaces for teeth similar to porcelain laminates but less expensive. In addition, they can also provide uniformity throughout the smile line since they do not involve any removals behind natural enamel.
Maintaining good oral hygiene:
Brushing twice daily using non-abrasive toothpaste, and flossing once every day are essential in maintaining oral hygiene. Also visiting the dentist regularly helps keep both bonding agents intact along with other parts that have been repaired so far.
Lifestyle change:
It involves taking less staining foods or drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco which may result in further discolouration. Using straw when drinking beverages can also reduce contact between these pigments and your teeth thereby preserving their whiteness over the years!!
Considerations Before Whitening Treatments
If you are thinking about getting your teeth bleached and composite bonding is involved, it is important to talk to your dentist first. They can examine the state of both your teeth and the bonding to choose the best way forward. Your dentist might advise that you bleach your natural teeth before replacing or adjusting any composite bonding so that it matches their new colour; this ensures consistent results that look genuine.
Conclusion
While composite bonding cannot be whitened using traditional teeth whitening methods, there are effective ways to address discolouration and enhance your smile.
A professional cleaning, replacement or recolouring of the bond and keeping good oral hygiene may all work together for a brighter smile. If you need the best cosmetic dentist in Rotherham, you can visit Fitzwilliam Dental Practice. Here, you can get complete dental treatment and makeover and types of solutions for your dental problems.