Many people are familiar with the concept of dental bleaching or teeth whitening. It’s a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can transform a person’s smile by lightening the color of their teeth. But what about dental restorations such as crowns veneers or fillings? Can dental bleaching be performed on these types of dental work?
The short answer is no dental bleaching cannot be performed on dental restorations. This is because dental bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide only work on natural tooth structures. They cannot penetrate or change the color of materials used in dental restorations.
Here are some reasons why dental bleaching is not suitable for dental restorations –
- Dental restorations are made from materials that do not respond to bleaching agents.
- Attempting to bleach dental restorations can result in uneven color distribution creating a mismatched appearance with the natural teeth.
- Bleaching agents can also weaken the structure of dental restorations leading to potential damage or failure.
So what are your options if you have dental restorations and want to improve the color of your teeth? Here are some alternatives to dental bleaching for patients with dental restorations –
- Replace the dental restorations – If your dental restorations are old or worn out you could consider replacing them with new restorations that match the desired shade of your natural teeth.
- Whitening toothpaste – Using whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains from natural teeth without affecting the color of dental restorations.
- Veneers or crowns – If you are looking for a more permanent solution you could consider getting veneers or crowns that match the color of your natural teeth.
It’s important to consult with your dentist before undergoing any cosmetic dental procedure especially if you have dental restorations. Your dentist will be able to assess the condition of your dental restorations and recommend the best course of action to achieve the desired results.
Dental bleaching is not suitable for dental restorations due to the nature of the materials used in these types of dental work. Patients with dental restorations have alternative options available to improve the color of their teeth such as replacing the dental restorations using whitening toothpaste or considering veneers or crowns. Consulting with a dentist is important to ensure that the most appropriate treatment plan is chosen based on individual needs and circumstances.
