Why is my new dental bonding stained after a month? I don’t smoke or drink coffee or tea. My dentist implied that something I am eating or drinking is causing the bonding to stain, but that’s not the case. Will my dentist need to replace the bonding? Thank you. Ember from CA
Ember,
After only a month, we understand your concerns about your dental bonding staining. We can offer insight into why this might have happened and what you can do about it.
Understanding Dental Bonding and Staining
Dental bonding uses composite, a blend of plastic resin and inorganic fillers, including silica, quartz, and glass. The properties of composites vary greatly depending on the fillers used and the particle size. Some composites are known for their durability, while others can be polished to a high shine.
Most family dentists use high-strength composites for general purposes, which may not polish beautifully. Expert cosmetic dentists often stock a variety of composites and use different materials and polishing techniques for esthetic bonding on front teeth.
Aesthetic bonding on front teeth
A cosmetic dentist may use a strong composite, like a hybrid, inside the restoration. Afterward, they had a microfill on the surface for shine. They also use different colors and levels of transparency to ensure the bonding looks like tooth enamel, with opaque dentin covered by translucent enamel and a range of colors.
If your bonding needs to be polished better, it will likely stain. I suspect this might be the case for you, given the rapid staining you’ve experienced.
How Can You Improve Dental Bonding Stains?
If your dental bonding stains prematurely, ask your dentist about repairing it and giving it a better polish to resist staining. Consult an expert cosmetic dentist if your dentist cannot resolve the issue. They can provide a higher polish. Ask a cosmetic dentist about highly stain-resistant porcelain veneers if you want longer-lasting results. Although veneers cost more, high-quality veneers can last 15 years or longer if you take good care of them.
Will Supersmile Toothpaste Improve Dental Bonding Stains?
Minimally abrasive Supersmile toothpaste prevents and removes stains on teeth and maintains the luster of cosmetic dentistry. However, if dental bonding lacks adequate polishing, Supersmile might not help as much.
Dr. James Gavrilos, a Barrington, Illinois, accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.