Can You Whiten Your Teeth After Composite Bonding?

This is a question that comes up very often in cosmetic dentistry.

Often people have composite bonding done and then, because their teeth look so much better afterwards, they decide they want to improve the overall colour.

Depending on the case it's sometimes fine to whiten your teeth after composite bonding but it can be a problem.

Effect of Whitening On Bonded Teeth

Teeth whitening treatment is an extremely effective way of changing the colour and brightness of the teeth.

It can often transform a set of dull, discoloured teeth into a radiant smile.

It uses a very safe and tooth-friendly preparation of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to target the dark pigments that occur naturally in teeth and lighten them.

It also tends to remove stains from teeth; even deep, intrinsic stains that can't be removed by other means.

But sometimes people haven't considered teeth whitening when they decide to have composite bonding done, and often dentists forget to discuss it.

The main problem with teeth whitening after composite bonding is that the composite doesn't change colour with whitening, so only the natural teeth will change.

The whitening doesn't harm or damage the composite bonding; it just won't change it.

Whitening Natural Teeth Vs Bonded Teeth

There are a few scenarios where teeth whitening after composite bonding can be a real problem and lead to suboptimal aesthetics:

• Where the natural teeth are very yellow and have undergone composite bonding, the teeth can change a lot and get much whiter, and the composite will stay the same so will become more noticeable.

• Where four or six front teeth have had bonding and been fully covered or almost fully covered with composite, they can start to look dark and dull when the other teeth change colour.

• If the upper teeth have had composite bonding and the lower teeth are whitened afterwards, the contrast between the upper and lower teeth can look quite unaesthetic.

Why Should I Have A Consultation Before Whitening And Bonding?

Before any cosmetic dental treatment, you should always have a consultation.

At your composite bonding consultation, your dentist should always discuss teeth whitening with you.

You should really make the decision about whether to change the colour of your teeth before you have the composite bonding treatment done.

This allows accurate colour matching of the bonding material to the whitened teeth.

If you have had composite bonding treatment carried out previously, we will often suggest removing this partially or fully before whitening, so that the teeth can be fully whitened.

Any tooth structure that's covered with composite will not change colour.

How Long Should I Wait After Whitening Before Getting Bonding?

Composite bonding is often the best way to repair a broken or chipped tooth.

The composite resin mimics the chipped part of the tooth without damaging the remaining structure.

This method can be used to fix small chips as well as more severe breakages.

How Does The Dentist Match Bonding To Whitened Teeth?

The first thing we do in the composite bonding appointment is to colour match to the whitened teeth.

We usually do this with a variety of techniques, involving shade guides and a camera with special filters attached that allows to analyse the colour of different composite resin materials and compare them to the natural teeth so that we get a perfect match.

How Can I Maintain The Results After Whitening And Bonding?

Following the composite bonding treatment, maintaining the colour is straightforward.ù

Whitening top-ups once or twice a year will keep the teeth the same colour, and the composite resin can be polished and freshened up at check-up or hygiene visits.

Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining the results.

Using a good electric toothbrush and a whitening toothpaste will help prevent surface stains and protect the bonding.

How Do I Maintain My Smile After Whitening If I Have Composite Bonding?

Maintain good oral hygiene and a good diet low in acids and sugars.

See your dentist and hygienist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.

You may need a new whitening tray after the composite bonding treatment due to the changes in the shapes of your teeth.

You can use this to maintain the teeth whitening result with occasional top-ups.

Can Bonded Teeth Still Stain After Whitening?

Yes, bonded teeth can stain after whitening.

But with good oral hygiene, using a good electric toothbrush and whitening toothpaste, plus seeing your dentist and hygienist regularly, you shouldn't have any problems avoiding stubborn stains.

What Daily Habits Help Keep Both Natural Teeth And Bonding Bright?

Brushing with a good electric toothbrush, flossing and interdental brushing.

Plus, make sure your diet is low in acids and sugars.

Should I Avoid Certain Foods And Drinks To Prevent Discoloration?

If the composite bonding has been done to a high standard, you shouldn't need to avoid any foods or drinks specifically, but keep sugary or very acidic foods to a minimum.

Dr. Mark Flynn

How Often Should I Visit The Dentist For Polishing Or Maintenance?

Depending on other factors, including the health of your gums, visiting the hygienist every six months is adequate for most people to keep things shiny and bright.

Alternatives To Whitening Bonded Teeth

The best alternative to whitening bonded teeth is to replace the existing bonding.

What Are The Options If Whitening Doesn’t Work On Bonded Teeth?

If you find the bonded teeth look noticeably darker than the other teeth, you may need to consider removing the composite and replacing it with a lighter shade that matches your natural teeth.

Is Polishing Or Resurfacing A Good Alternative To Whitening?

Polishing and resurfacing can help with darker composite but in more extensive cases, it may not be sufficient to lighten the colour and the composite bonding may need to be replaced.

Are Veneers Or Crowns Better Choices For A Whiter, Longer-lasting Smile?

Veneers aren't usually necessary for a whiter, longer-lasting smile.

Good composite bonding can usually do just as good a job at acheiving a white smile.

And good maintenance will help preserve it.

Should I Whiten My Natural Teeth First And Then Redo Bonding For Color Match?

This may depend on the extent and quality of the previous bonding.

We may advise you to remove the existing bonding before any teeth whitening to get the best possible end result.

We will discuss all of this at your consultation appointment.