Cosmetic bonding is a dental procedure that fills in cavities with a natural-looking material. It’s ideal for chips or dental imperfections that are on a visible part of your smile, since the material looks more like your natural teeth than a shiny metal filling. If you have bonded teeth or are considering the procedure, you should know that it can also make an impact on your plans for teeth whitening. Below is more information about how to proceed with a whitening plan when you have bonded teeth.

Understanding Bonding & Whitening 

What Is Cosmetic Bonding Made Of?

The material used to bond teeth is a synthetic resin made of plastic composites. Once applied to a tooth chip or cavity, the resin is then hardened by using a laser treatment. It’s then polished and finished into the desired tooth shape. Each resin is made in a custom shade to match the hue of your existing teeth.

What Is the Effect of Whitening on Resin?

Since the synthetic resin used in cosmetic bonding is nonporous, it’s not as affected by whitening as the rest of your teeth are. The whitening process won’t damage it, but it can make the bonded teeth stand out more than you’d like, since the rest of your smile will be whiter.

Is There a Better Time to Whiten?

If you’re interested in teeth whitening, it’s best to schedule the brightening procedure before investing in cosmetic bonding. Since the shade of the resin is chosen based on the color of your teeth, whiten them first to ensure a perfect match.

If you’re interested in cosmetic bonding or other ways to improve your smile, Kemper Pond Dental in Cincinnati, OH, will help. With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Brent Williams and his team use the most advanced materials and methods available to provide all patients with high-quality dental care. The family dentistry practice offers dentures, tooth extractions, veneers, dental implants, and root canal therapy. To make an appointment, call (513) 531-4069. Visit their website to browse their services.