Can you whiten composite bonding?

Everybody wants white teeth. A winning smile can be just as valuable to your professional career as it is to your personal relationships. If you have committed to composite bonding, you may, therefore, also be wondering whether to opt for teeth whitening before bonding.

The answer is no, composite bonding cannot be whitened with traditional teeth whitening treatments. Composite resin material can be extremely useful for addressing dental aesthetic issues, while also fixing cracked teeth, closing gaps or filling cavities. It does, however, present noticeable issues for people who undergo dental whitening, as bonded teeth retain the same colour as natural teeth pre-whitening.

Why you can’t whiten composite bonding

Unlike tooth enamel, bonding resin is a non-porous material. On natural teeth, staining agents can penetrate your teeth’s pores with no reaction to whitening agents. However, whitening agents cannot penetrate resin, which is non-porous.

If the dentist used resin-based composite to replace or re-bond your teeth, there are DIY kits with top-up gels available that may suit your needs. However, composite bonding cannot be whitened with traditional teeth whitening treatments. While there are pastes and whitening strips available, the efficacy of these is less reliable or durable. This will ultimately depend on the materials used by the dentist during the initial composite bonding surgery, as this can impact the required whitening technique.

When traditional whitening methods for replacement or re-bonding don’t work, there are other alternatives to whitening composite bonding worth considering. You could turn to a dental hygienist to give the area a professional polishing, as surface stains can be removed. When the applied resin does not respond well to bleaching agents, professional polishing may be required to eliminate surface stains and restore brightness.

Some patients may turn to crowns or veneers, or opt to replace the composite bonding – a procedure not normally required for five to seven years. A few may, alternatively, opt to whiten their natural teeth before undergoing composite bonding treatment. In these instances, you should brush and floss regularly, use mouthwash, avoid smoking, limit food and drinks that stain and use chewing gum containing xylitol.

To find out more, consult your dentist by calling Art of Dental Care today – leading providers of composite bonding in Chester.