Can I Whiten My Dental Bonding?

I have dental bonding that is over ten years old. I know it needs to be replaced, but I’m hoping to put that off a little longer. My dentist told me when I first got them to choose the color I wanted because it cannot be changed once it’s done. However, I am hoping that I will be able to whiten them back to their original color. Then, I can get them replaced in a few years. Is that possible?

Melinda

---

Dear Melinda,

In general, you should only expect dental bonding to last a few years. If you have the bonding on a small surface, then replacing the bonding every few years shouldn’t be too big of a deal.

Unfortunately, teeth whitening will not get your bonding back to their original color. That only works on natural teeth whitening. If the stains are external, then it is possible you could improve their appearance a little by having them polished up by your dentist. If the stains are internal, then nothing will help except for replacing them.

If your dental bonding is over a large surface, then you will be better served when you replace them to do so with porcelain veneers. These are much longer lasting and stain resistant. When well cared for, they can last you a lifetime. They’re more what patients go to when they are looking for a complete smile makeover. They can change everything about your smile, including the shape, size, and color.

This blog is brough to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Carl Embury.