Introduction
Bonding is a common dental procedure used to repair chipped, cracked, decayed, or otherwise damaged teeth. During the bonding process, a dentist applies a tooth-colored resin material to the tooth surface and shapes and sculpts it into place. The resin is then hardened using a special blue light, bonding it to the tooth. Bonding is an attractive option for minor tooth repairs because it preserves natural tooth structure, can be completed in just one visit, and is cost-effective compared to other procedures like veneers or crowns.
However, like natural teeth, bonded restorations can become stained or discolored over time from foods, drinks, smoking, and poor oral hygiene. The resin material is porous, so it can more readily absorb pigments than enamel. Common culprits that cause bonding stains include coffee, tea, red wine, berries, tomato sauce, soy sauce, tobacco, plaque, and tartar buildup. Thankfully, many bonding stains can be removed or minimized through professional dental cleaning and at-home maintenance.
Professional Stain Removal Techniques
If bonding stains have developed, your dentist has several techniques to remove them and restore the restoration’s appearance:
Scaling and Polishing
A standard dental cleaning involves scaling to remove built-up tartar and plaque above and below the gumline, followed by tooth polishing. This can effectively remove many surface stains by eliminating debris and smoothing the porous resin surface. However, scaling and polishing may not remove deeper set intrinsic stains.
Fluoride Treatments
A fluoride gel or foam can be applied to bonded teeth to help strengthen enamel, limit acid erosion, and reduce staining. Fluoride has properties that make teeth more resistant to absorbing pigments. However, fluoride alone may not remove established stains.
Air Polishing
Air polishing uses a pressurized air stream containing fine particles like baking soda to clear away stains. This can gently abrade the surface to scrub away bonding discoloration without drilling. The soda particles help whiten while polishing the resin.
Microabrasion
Microabrasion is a minimally invasive technique that uses an acidic compound like hydrochloric acid combined with a gritty paste to microscopically “sand” off superficial staining in bonding restorations. This can remove outer stained layers to expose cleaner resin underneath.
Laser Whitening
A dentist may use a bleaching laser specifically designed to penetrate the resin and break up stubborn bonding stains without heat damage. Several applications are needed for optimal results.
Internal Bleaching
Internal bleaching can be done if stains have penetrated deep within translucent bonding material. The dentist drills a small hole into the restoration then fills it with concentrated peroxide gel. The peroxide works internally to oxidize and lighten the discolored resin.
Bonding Removal and Replacement
If other stain removal methods are ineffective and the restoration is heavily discolored, the dentist may elect to completely remove and replace old bonding with new staining-resistant material. This provides the most dramatic whitening result.
At-Home Bonding Stain Prevention and Removal
While professional cleaning is most effective for removing set-in stains, you can help prevent new discoloration and maintain brighter bonding restorations between dental visits with these tips:
Brush Carefully
Gentle, thorough brushing helps prevent stains from taking hold by clearing away coloring compounds before they interact with bonding material. Use a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste 2-3 times per day.
Floss Regularly
Floss at least once daily to remove plaque from between teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Residual plaque can lead to bonding stains.
Rinse with Mouthwash
Swishing daily with an antiseptic mouthwash helps kill bacteria and prevent plaque accumulation that causes discoloration.
Limit Staining Foods and Drinks
Restrict consumption of staining substances like coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, etc. If you do indulge, rinse your mouth with water after to dilute residue.
Get Regular Dental Cleanings
Professional cleanings every 6 months prevent buildup of stains and tartar that brushing and flossing at home might miss.
Use Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives and bleaching agents to safely remove surface stains and prevent new discoloration on natural teeth as well as bonded restorations.
Try Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
Whitening rinses, gels, and strips with low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can occasionally be used to lightly brighten bonded teeth and reduce staining. Always consult your dentist first.
Avoid Staining Habits
Stop tobacco use and limit staining foods and drinks to prevent bonding discoloration in the first place.
When to See Your Dentist
While home care can help prolong a bright, stain-free smile, most bonding stains need professional intervention to be fully removed. See your dentist right away if you notice any of the following:
– Sudden or rapidly worsening discoloration not caused by food or drink
– Unusual dark spots or areas of stained bonding
– Color changes accompanied by pain or sensitivity
– Bonding that feels rough or uneven
Prompt dental attention can determine if bonding discoloration is due to infection, decay, or other issues requiring treatment beyond standard stain removal techniques.
Conclusion
Like natural teeth, bonded restorations can become stained over time from common sources like coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, and poor oral hygiene. However, several professional cleaning methods exist to safely remove bonding stains without damage, including scaling and polishing, fluoride treatments, microabrasion, laser whitening, internal bleaching, and full bonding replacement. While your dentist can make stained bonding look new again, you play a big role maintaining a stain-free smile through careful daily brushing and flossing, regular dental visits, and limiting intake of staining foods and drinks. With proper at-home care and occasional professional whitening, bonded teeth can stay brightly and beautifully stained free.
| Stain Source | Prevention Tips |
|---|---|
| Coffee, Tea | Rinse mouth after drinking, use straw |
| Red Wine, Berries | Limit intake, clean teeth after consuming |
| Tobacco | Quit smoking, rinse mouth after use |
| Plaque, Tartar | Brush and floss daily, get regular cleanings |