Many of our patients want to take advantage of our expert teeth whitening procedures. Teeth whitening not only brightens smiles, but can also change your life by boosting your confidence and improving your public image.
However, if you have visible tooth-colored dental work, such as veneers and composite fillings, you may need special considerations when whitening your teeth. This blog describes the process of preparing for teeth whitening if you already have cosmetic enhancements to your smile.
Dental Veneers
A dental veneer is a thin sheet of porcelain or composite material that improves the appearance of chipped, stained, gapped, slightly misshapen, or misaligned teeth. Unfortunately, the peroxide solutions used in teeth-whitening procedures cannot whiten artificial materials such as porcelain or composite resin. Since porcelain veneers represent a significant investment in your smile, your best option may be to whiten your natural teeth to match the color of your existing veneers.
If you have composite veneers, they are more affordable. Your dentist may be able to reapply them in your desired post-whitening shade. Alternatively, your dentist can try polishing some of the stains away.
Fillings
Many dentists use composite filling material in front-facing or visible teeth. These fillings may stain from darkly pigmented foods and beverages or from inadequate oral hygiene.
If you have stained tooth-colored fillings, your dentist can gently polish them to improve their shade.
Other Dental Work Unaffected by Whitening Solutions
If you have visible porcelain or composite crowns, your dentist's whitening solutions will not affect their shade. If you plan a dramatic smile change, you could ask for replacement crowns, or you could whiten your natural teeth to match them. Tooth-colored dentures and implants also resist whitening solutions.
Creating a Strategy for Whitening Your Teeth
Consult our cosmetic dentists regarding your whitening issue. They can guide you through the ins and outs of teeth whitening, explain your options, and outline how much you may need to pay out of pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
How does teeth whitening work, and why can't I whiten my tooth-colored restorations?
Professional whitening depends on carbamide or hydrogen peroxide solutions. Peroxide compounds enter natural enamel through its pores and break down stains within the tooth itself. Since porcelain and composites are not natural enamel, whitening agents are not effective.
How easy is it to change porcelain veneers?
Your dentist can remove your old porcelain veneers, whiten your teeth, and replace them with a new set in your desired shade. This technique works well for patients in prominent public-facing positions, such as actors or television personalities. Most patients may be happy to whiten their teeth to match their existing veneers.
At Dental Associates, our primary concern is your smile. We want to encourage our patients to care for their teeth and take advantage of our many cosmetic procedures if they feel they need a chance. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening options, get in touch with us today.