Dental Bonding on Front Tooth & Whitening? (photo)

Question

My front tooth grew in with a major chip in it. The entire front surface of my tooth was filled with bonding as a result this was about 11 years ago. I am not sure if the bonding didn't match or has changed color overtime. I would like to whiten my teeth and have the tooth re-bonded to match. (I was considering invisilign but right now it is simply too expensive so I am hoping this will help my teeth at least look a bit better) Should I whiten first? Or have it bonded and then whiten?

Kevin Coughlin, DMD · Answer

I almost always suggest whitening first then wait 1-2 weeks for the color to settle in then place bonding or crown or veneer. Remember bleaching in most cases needs to be redone every year or so. If you don't the bonding won't change color but your nature teeth will go back to original shade, good luck

	 

	Kevin Coughlin DMD, MBA, MAGD  CEO Baystate Dental PC

George Tsangaroulis, DDS · Answer

You definitely have the right idea, I would suggest to whiten your teeth first in order to match the new composite bonding shade.  It's important however to wait a minimum of 15 days after whitening because the material will otherwise disrupt the chemistry and strength of the bond.  Also keep in mind that you may periodically have to re-whiten to maintain the initial shade.  
Based on your photo it appears there is a space between that central and lateral incisor next to it.  Another suggestion is if you are planning Invisalign in the future, let your dentist know so that he/she can do the bonding in a way to make the 2 centrals symmetrical, which will leave the space that was there temporarily.  This way when the teeth are moved and the space is closed, you'll have ideal spacing, shape and size of the teeth.  Hope this helps, good luck!

Christine Fialka-Eshenko, DDS · Answer

Always whiten before any bonding procedures are done! From the photo, we can see the discoloration, however, if that was done 11 years ago, that's great. We now have numerous materials options & shade of bonding resin, as well as finishing & polishing materials to help get the best result possible!  

	I'm sure all of my colleagues will agree that one of the hardest aesthetic  treatments is a single tooth bonding or even a single tooth veneer!

Valle Wilhite Rischer, DDS · Answer

We typically recommend tooth-whitening prior to any restorative treatment, making sure that you do have a "rest period" of 1-2 weeks post-whitening for your teeth to settle in to their new natural shade.  This way, your dentist can make a match to your new shade, and voila!  Good luck!

Parnaz Aurasteh, DDS · Answer

Hi there. I always recommend my patients whiten their teeth prior to any cosmetic procedures.  We are a highly cosmetic office and the best bet is always to whiten first and then match the bonding or veneers to the new shade!

	 

	Good Luck!

Dental Bonding on Front Tooth & Whitening? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Whiten Before Dental Treatment

Answer: Whiten Before Dental Treatment

Answer: Whiten and Brighten!

Answer: Whiten and Brighten!

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Bonding

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Dental Bonding on Front Tooth & Whitening? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Whiten Before Dental Treatment

Answer: Whiten Before Dental Treatment

Answer: Whiten and Brighten!

Answer: Whiten and Brighten!

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Bonding

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.