The Purpose and Outcomes of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening generally targets color. A dental professional applies a bleach based solution to decolorize natural tooth enamel and minimize staining. However, the procedure is not concerned with the shape of the tooth: it cannot repair a damaged tooth or fill a chipped area.
Furthermore, each patient has different expectations for the procedure. Some are surprised to find that certain types of staining respond better to treatment than others. In addition, existing dental prostheses such as crowns or fillings will not lighten as effectively as natural teeth, a nuance that many patients learn the hard way.
Reasons to Prefer Whitening
• A whiter smile without the added bulk of dental porcelain restorations a welcome alternative for patients who are otherwise happy with their smile but want to improve their teeth’s appearance.
• Simpler maintenance if the patient takes proper care to avoid staining.
• More effective for an overall lighter shade rather than repairing one unsightly tooth.
The Nature of Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is another method for improving the appearance of teeth. Dental bonding involves shaping and sculpting a composite resin material directly on the tooth. Dental bonding differs from whitening in that it can repair minor imperfections such as a chipped corner or uneven edge. The material is sculpted directly onto the tooth to restore its natural appearance.
A similar resin material can be used to adjust the apparent size or shape of a tooth, a valuable alternative to more involved cosmetic procedures. In short, dental bonding reshapes teeth in addition to repairing and coloring them.
The Importance of Contouring Teeth with Composite Resin
Suppose that a patient has a front tooth that is uneven or shorter than the others. Such a problem cannot be solved by teeth whitening, but may be repaired with composite bonding. Teeth contouring is also a useful technique in cases where the patient has a “gapped” tooth that they wish to normalize in appearance.
Can Bonding Be Done in Conjunction with Whitening?
Both treatments may be performed, but the timing is crucial: Teeth whitening should always be performed before bonding, since the composite resin used in dental bonding does not respond to the bleaching solution.
When the two treatments are combined, the patient should take care to whiten their teeth before applying any bonding material, so that the color of their natural teeth matches the composite resin.
The Value of Teeth Whitening and Bonding
If a patient is generally happy with the shape of their teeth but unhappy with the color, teeth whitening is the clear option. If the patient is dissatisfied with a particular tooth’s shape or size, bonding is the preferred treatment.
Above all, the dentist must determine whether the patient wants to focus on their entire smile, or if one unsightly tooth is keeping them from smiling.
Visit our page on composite bonding London to explore treatment options, costs, and expert advice.
The insights shared in our articles are meant to educate and inform, not to replace a face-to-face consultation. Every smile is unique, and a proper diagnosis can only be made by a qualified clinical professional. Please book an appointment with our team or consult your local dentist for advice tailored to your specific oral health needs.
