Dental bonding is a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure used to repair chipped, cracked, or stained teeth. It involves the application of composite material to the tooth, which is then hardened with a special light. Unfortunately, some patients have reported that their dental bonding is turning dark over time. This article will explore why this is occurring and offer advice on how to prevent it.
How to Tell If Your Dental Bonding Is Turning Dark
If you have recently had dental bonding, you might have noticed that it is turning dark. This can be an unfortunate side-effect of the bonding process and can lead to an unattractive smile. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help prevent and address discoloration of your dental bonding.
The first step is to identify what is causing the discoloration. There are several factors that can lead to the darkening of your dental bonding, including poor diet, smoking, and environmental factors such as sunlight. If any of these have occurred, you should take steps to address them.
If your diet has been a factor, consider cutting out certain foods and drinks that can cause stainings, such as red wine, coffee, and tea. In addition, if you smoke, it can cause significant discoloration of your dental bonding, so quitting is a must. Finally, if you’ve been exposed to a lot of sunlight, wear sunglasses or use sunscreen to protect your teeth.
What Causes Dental Bonding to Turn Dark
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure used to repair the appearance of a tooth. It involves the application of a composite resin that is matched to the color of the surrounding teeth. Although it is a durable material, it can discolor over time.
The primary cause of dental bonding turning dark is exposure to staining agents such as tobacco, coffee, tea, and red wine. Additionally, certain foods, such as curry and tomato sauces, can cause the resin to discolor. Other factors that can contribute to the darkening of bonding include certain medications, fluoride in drinking water, and direct sunlight.
What to do to prevent it from happening
To prevent dental bonding from turning dark, it is important to avoid staining agents such as tobacco and coffee, as well as certain foods. Additionally, it is important to brush and floss regularly to remove plaque and bacteria from the bonding. If you take certain medications, it is important to discuss the potential for dental discoloration with your dentist. Furthermore, it is important to wear a mouthguard during contact sports to prevent damage to the bonding.
If your dental bonding has already turned dark, it is important to consult your dentist to determine the best course of action. In some cases, the dentist may be able to polish the resin to remove the discoloration. In other cases, the bonding may need to be replaced in order to restore the natural color of the teeth.
What You Can Do to Fix It
Fortunately, there are a few options available if you find that your dental bonding has turned dark. The first option is to simply replace the composite material with a new one. This is a relatively affordable and simple procedure that can be done in a single visit to the dentist.
Another option is to whiten the composite material with a whitening gel. This is a more involved procedure, but it can be an effective way to restore the original brightness of the material. Finally, if the discoloration is severe, the dentist may recommend veneers or crowns to cover the affected teeth.
In conclusion, there are several reasons why dental bonding may turn dark, including tobacco use, poor oral hygiene, and certain medications. Fortunately, there are a few options available to help restore the original brightness of the composite material, including replacement, whitening gel, and veneers or crowns. If you find that your dental bonding is turning dark, it is important to speak to your dentist as soon as possible to find a solution.
Conclusion
New dental bonding turning dark is likely due to the staining properties of certain foods and beverages, as well as environmental factors and poor oral hygiene. As such, it is important to practice good oral hygiene, avoid certain staining foods and beverages, and contact a dentist if the darkening persists. With proper care and maintenance, new dental bonding should remain bright and attractive for many years to come.