Teeth bonding and whitening strips are two popular dental treatments that people use to enhance the appearance of their teeth. Teeth bonding is a procedure were a dentist applies a tooth-colored resin material to the surface of the teeth to improve their shape, size, or color. On the other hand, teeth whitening strips are a home-based treatment that involves the use of a thin, flexible plastic strip that contains a whitening gel. The strips are placed directly onto the teeth to remove surface stains and discoloration.
While both treatments offer significant benefits to individuals looking to improve their smile, many people wonder if it is safe to use whitening strips if they have dental bonding. The good news is that whitening strips are generally safe to use with teeth bonding. However, it is essential to understand the potential risks associated with the use of teeth whitening strips with dental bonding.
One of the primary concerns with using whitening strips on bonding is that the whitening agent can affect the bond strength of the resin material. Studies have shown that the bond strength decreases following 14 days of treatment with bleaching strips. Therefore, it is essential to use caution when using whitening strips on bonded teeth. It is recommended to use a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide, such as 7.5%, in the whitening gel to avoid compromising the bond strength.
Another potential issue with using whitening strips on bonded teeth is the difference in color between the bonding material and the natural teeth. When you whiten your teeth using strips, your natural teeth will become very bright, while the bonded portion of your tooth will remain the same shade. This can make the bonded portion of your tooth look stained or discolored, which can be an issue for some people.
If you are concerned about the potential risks associated with using whitening strips on bonded teeth, it is best to consult with your dentist before starting any whitening treatment. Your dentist can evaluate the condition of your teeth and bonding material and provide you with guidance on the best course of action.
Teeth bonding and whitening strips are two popular treatments that can improve the appearance of your teeth. While using whitening strips on bonded teeth is generally safe, it is important to understand the potential risks and use caution when using these products. Consulting with your dentist is always the best way to ensure that you are taking the right steps to achieve a brighter, healthier smile.
Can I Use Whitening Strips On Bonded Teeth?
You can use whitening strips on bonded teeth, but it is important to be aware that the strips will only whiten the natural tooth structure and not the bonded material. This means that after using the strips, the bonded teeth may appear darker in comparison to the natural teeth. Additionally, the whitening agents in the strips may case the bonding material to break down or become discolored over time, so it is important to consult with your dentist before using any whitening products on bonded teeth. Your dentist may be able to recommend alternative whitening options or adjust the bonding material to match the new shade of your natural teeth after whitening.
Do Whitening Strips Damage Bonding?
There is research evidence to suggest that whitening strips may have an effect on bonding. A study conducted by Kaya et al. (2019) found that the bond strength decreased following 14 days of treatment with bleaching strips. This means that the strips may weaken the bond between the tooth and the bonding material.
However, it is important to note that not all whitening products have the same effect on bonding. Another study by Lee et al. (2019) found that a whitening gel with 7.5% hydrogen peroxide, calcium, and fluorine actually increased the bond strength. This suggests that the specific ingredients and formulation of the whitening product can have a significant impact on bonding.
It is recommended to consult with a dental professional before using any whitening products, espeially if you have bonding or other dental work. They can provide personalized advice and guidance based on your individual needs and situation.
What Happens If You Whiten Teeth With Bonding?
If you decide to undergo teeth whitening after hving dental bonding, the natural teeth will become whiter while the bonding material will remain the same color. This can cause the bonded portion of the tooth to appear discolored as there will be a noticeable difference in the shade between the bonding material and your newly whitened teeth. It is important to note that teeth whitening treatments do not affect the color of dental bonding or any other dental restorations such as veneers or crowns. Therefore, if you have dental bonding and wish to whiten your teeth, it is recommended that you first whiten your teeth and then have the bonding material matched to the new shade of your teeth. Alternatively, you may choose to have the bonding material replaced altogether with a lighter shade to match your newly whitened teeth.
Conclusion
While teeth bonding can greatly improve the appearance of your teeth and give you a confident smile, it may require extra care when it comes to teeth whitening. Using whitening strips on teeth with bonding material may not harm the dental work, but it will not whiten it either. It is important to keep in mind that the bonding material will remain the same shade even after teeth whitening. It is recommended to consult with a dentist before undergoing any teeth whitening treatment to ensure the best results and to avoid any potential damage to your dental work. maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly can help keep your teeth and bonding material looking their best.
