Can My Bonded Teeth Be Whitened?

Tooth bonding is a popular cosmetic dental treatment used to repair chips, cracks, discoloration, and small gaps in teeth. It involves applying a tooth-colored resin to improve the shape and appearance of your smile. But what happens when you want to whiten your teeth after getting bonding, or if your natural teeth have changed color while the bonded area stayed the same?

If you’re wondering whether you can whiten bonded teeth, the answer is a bit more complex than a simple yes or no.

Bonded Teeth Don’t Respond to Whitening Products

Unlike natural tooth enamel, bonding resin does not respond to teeth whitening agents. Whitening treatments, whether done in-office or with over-the-counter products, are designed to break down stains in natural enamel using bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These agents don’t have any effect on composite resin, so the bonded area will stay the same color no matter how much you whiten.

This means if you whiten your natural teeth, you could end up with uneven color, where your real teeth appear lighter than the bonded areas. It’s important to keep this in mind if you’re considering bonding and also want a whiter smile.

What Are Your Options If You Have Bonded Teeth?

If you already have bonding and want a brighter smile, you still have several options.

Whiten First, Bond Second

If you’re planning to get dental bonding, talk to your dentist about whitening your natural teeth first. This allows you to reach your desired shade, and then the bonding material can be matched to your newly whitened smile. It’s the most effective way to ensure a uniform appearance.

Replace the Bonding After Whitening

If your teeth have become stained or you’ve recently undergone whitening, you may need to have your existing bonding replaced to match your new tooth color. This can be a good solution for people with older or discolored bonding.

Consider Alternative Treatments

For more extensive or long-term whitening and cosmetic correction, veneers or crowns may be a better option than bonding. Porcelain veneers, for example, are stain-resistant and can be custom-colored to match your ideal smile. While more costly than bonding, they typically last longer and offer a more durable, whiter finish.

How to Maintain a Whiter Smile with Bonding

If you have bonding and want to keep your teeth looking their best:

• Avoid staining foods and drinks like coffee, red wine, and dark berries.
• Quit smoking, which can discolor both natural teeth and bonding.
• Brush and floss daily and schedule regular dental cleanings.
• Ask your dentist about polishing bonded teeth to remove minor surface stains.

While you can’t whiten bonded teeth with traditional whitening products, there are effective strategies to keep your smile looking bright and even. Whether that means whitening before bonding, replacing old bonding, or exploring alternative treatments, your dentist can help create a plan tailored to your goals. With the right care and a proactive approach, you can enjoy a beautifully balanced smile for years to come.

About the Practice

Are you interested in professional teeth whitening to give yourself a beautiful smile? Eric J. Marsh, DMD & Michele A. Pisano-Marsh, DMD Dentistry offer take-home kits for you to brighten and whiten at your own convenience. Our state-of-the-art, high-quality materials will give you the major glow-up you desire. Ready to shine your brightest? Schedule your appointment online or call us at (610) 432-8037.