Tooth Bonding on Front Teeth Discolors Easily, What Can I Do For This?

Question

I have bonding on 6 of my front teeth. For the most part, I am happy with the look, but the bonding discolors easily. I have tried sticking to light colored beverages and applying petroleum jelly to them before I drink coffee or red wine, but this is so inconvenient and I still get some discoloration. Is there a way to prevent the darkening or to lighten them at home once the discoloration occurs? Do you recommend veneers instead? Thank you.

Martin Frankel, DDS · Answer

One of the weaknesses of direct bonding is that it can discolour.  The newer materials are much more stain resistant than older materials.  If your bonding was done many years ago this may be part of the problem.  When resin is cured with a curing light it does not fully polymerize.  This means that there are still uncured portions in the resin which render it more porous so that it can more easily become stained.  Another reason it discolours is the chemistry of the filling materials which allow it to yellow more with time.  Finally, it is important for the dentist to polish the resin very well once the bonding is placed.  This makes it more cleansable and more stain resistant. 

	It sounds like you eat a very clean diet and take a lot of care to prevent staining.

	Porcelain is much denser material and very stain resistant.

	I would recommend that you speak with your dentist about this problem you are having and see if he can offer a solution.

Ramesh Babu Mandava, MDS · Answer

A Well cured and Well polished Composite should last for 5 years minimum without staining.  Porcelain veneers would be the best option if staining happening too early. Porcelain veneers do not stain like the Composites as they do not absorb stains. It is expensive as compared to bonding. But lasts for 10 to 15 years.

George Tsangaroulis, DDS · Answer

This is a very legitimate concern.  As dentists, we always want what's best for our patients and we strive to give you helpful tips and suggestions.  At the same time, we understand that patients would like to continue with their daily routines and have the foods and drinks they enjoy.  My general rule to thumb is to limit foods and liquids that would stain a white shirt, ie red wine, ketchup, hot sauce, blueberries, etc and if you are a coffee drinker, have iced coffee through a straw as opposed to hot.  I would avoid whitening toothpastes and many others that are abrasive.  These toothpastes actually scratch the surfaces of the material, which in turn make it dull and more susceptible to stains.  I would also suggest to limit or avoid acidic foods and liquids, such as club soda, colas, lemons, sports drinks, etc and consult with your primary care physician to verify that you do not have acid reflux or acid indigestion.  Acid introduced into the mouth and on the teeth can hinder the surface of not only your bonding, but more importantly the underlying tooth - the enamel and dentin.  If there is presence of acid, coffee, red wine, etc, do not brush your teeth immediately, contrary to what you may think.  Wait 1 hour, rinse with water and then brush gently with an extra soft toothbrush with a light/smooth toothpaste.  I generally recommend Sensodyne Pronamel because it is one of the least abrasive toothpastes available.  If you decide to replace your bonding, this can be done with new composite bonding or porcelain.  My recommendation for a composite material is for your dentist to select a high-quality manufacturer, one that has good color stability and excellent polishability that will maintain its original color over a longer time period.  It is always important to do diligent research on products and materials since there are so many, in order to provide patients with the best possible results.  Veneers are more costly, but if you decide to go in that direction, I would recommend to have your dentist work with an excellent laboratory technician and to provide a pre-diagnostic waxup prototype to visualize the end result prior to treatment.  Hope this helps, good luck!

Jessica Wyatt, DDS · Answer

Depending on how old your existing bonding is, you may want to consider either having it replaced with newer bonding or having a longer lasting restoration placed like porcelain veneers. Newer bonding materials are more stain resistant that older ones, depending on which ones you use. Although I never really recommend for patients to get aesthetic bonding on the front teeth as a long lasting solution because this problem is encountered quite often that they dull or discolor over time. Porcelain veneers, although they are a more costly option, are a much longer lasting and beautiful restoration in comparison to bonding. Hope this helps

Leslie Dillard, DDS · Answer

The ease with which bonded fillings pick up stain has a lot to do with the type of bonding that is used. We have learned that the particle shape on a microscopic level affects how well the material polishes and how easily it stains. You might consider having it replaced with a newer material.

Robert Fields, DDS · Answer

There are two options to think about here: 1. Have your 6 teeth rebonded. You did not mention how long the bonds have been in place. If they are old, you can choose to have them redone and make sure your dentist polishes them so they will be more stain resistant.  Bonds last a long time and are very inexpensive compared to porcelain veneers which are extremely stain resistant. 2. You can have your 6 bonds replaced with porcelain veneers, which is the best choice esthetically for you.  They are much more expensive but should give you many years with a beautiful white natural smile.  It all depends on the time and money you are willing to invest in your dental treatment.

Tooth Bonding on Front Teeth Discolors Easily, What Can I Do For This?

Answers (8)

Answer: Bonding Discoloration

Answer: Bonding Discoloration

Answer: Staining bonded restorations

Answer: Staining bonded restorations

Answer: Bonding and Discoloration

Answer: Bonding and Discoloration

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Everything you need to know about Dental Bonding

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Tooth Bonding on Front Teeth Discolors Easily, What Can I Do For This?

Answers (8)

Answer: Bonding Discoloration

Answer: Bonding Discoloration

Answer: Staining bonded restorations

Answer: Staining bonded restorations

Answer: Bonding and Discoloration

Answer: Bonding and Discoloration

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.