If you have bonded teeth, you may be wondering if whitening strips are safe and effective for improving the appearance of your teeth. Bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure where a tooth-colored resin is applied to the surface of a tooth to improve its shape or color. Here, we’ll take a closer look at whether whitening strips can be used on bonded teeth and what you should keep in mind before trying them.
Understanding Bonded Teeth:
- Bonding uses a resin that can match the color of your teeth, but it doesn’t react to whitening agents the way natural tooth enamel does.
- Whitening strips work by using hydrogen peroxide to bleach away stains and discoloration on natural tooth enamel.
- Bonded teeth won’t whiten in the same way as natural teeth and may actually appear darker if the surrounding natural teeth are whitened.
Potential Risks:
- The whitening agents in strips may damage the bonding material or cause it to become discolored.
- The bonding material may also become more noticeable if the surrounding natural teeth are lightened with whitening strips.
- If the bonding material is damaged, it may need to be replaced by a dentist, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Alternatives:
- Talk to your dentist about alternative options for whitening bonded teeth, such as professional in-office treatments or custom-made whitening trays.
- A professional treatment can be customized to match the color of your bonding material, ensuring an even, natural-looking result.
- Your dentist can also evaluate the condition of your bonded teeth and determine the best course of action for improving their appearance.
Conclusion: Whitening strips may not be the best option for improving the appearance of bonded teeth. The bonding material won’t whiten in the same way as natural teeth, and using whitening strips may cause damage or discoloration to the bonding material. Instead, consider talking to your dentist about alternative options for whitening bonded teeth, such as professional in-office treatments or custom-made whitening trays. Your dentist can evaluate the condition of your bonded teeth and determine the best course of action for improving their appearance.
