Baton Rouge Dentist

Teeth whitening did not help my stained bonding

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Young woman hiding her smile - for info on teeth whitening and dental bondinI’ve only had dental bonding for two years, and it is turning yellow. My dentist whitened my teeth before I got bonding, and I get gel with every dental cleaning appointment. I tried teeth whitening, but it did not help at all. Will my dentist need to reapply the bonding? Why is this happening? – Thank you. Jada from TN

Jada,

Thank you for your question. We will explain why bonding stains, how composite bonding and porcelain veneers compare, and how to keep your bonding bright.

Why Does Composite Bonding Stain?

Quartz, plastic resin, and other materials make up dental composite. The substance is porous and absorbs stains. Dark drinks, such as colas, coffee, tea, or grape, will penetrate composite and stain it.

  • Surface stains – As composite surfaces get tiny scratches in them over time, stains adhere to them. But a cosmetic dentist can polish the composite bonding to get rid of the scratches and stains.
  • Deep discoloration – Stains that deeply penetrate composite are challenging to remove. Your dentist cannot polish them out.

Teeth whitening and dental bonding

Teeth whitening products will not improve composite bonding color. Abrasive whitening toothpaste can further scratch dental bonding and make stains look worse.

Composite vs. Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain is non-porous and resists stains better than tooth enamel.

Preventing Composite Bonding Stains

  • Polishing the composite – A skilled cosmetic dentist can help you maintain composite bonding by polishing away tiny scratches and stains.
  • Avoid abrasive toothpaste – Non-abrasive toothpaste, such as Supersmile®, will help keep your dental bonding bright.
  • Avoid staining beverages – Coffee, tea, and colas can stain your bonding. Drink them in moderation and rinse your mouth with water afterward.

Although composite bonding costs less than porcelain veneers, they attract stains and do not last as long. When it is time to replace your bonding consider if veneers might be an option for longer-lasting results.

 

Ryan Perry, DDS of Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.