I got free teeth whitening, but now I’m getting concerned about the fillings in my front teeth. The fillings are 4 years old and although they still look white with my current tooth color, what will happen after I use the gel. Is it okay to use the gel even though I have the white fillings? Thanks. Raven
Raven – There are a few things to keep in mind when using bleaching gel on teeth that have fillings.
- White fillings won’t prevent you from being a candidate for teeth whitening. Of course, the bleaching gel will whiten your teeth, but not your fillings.
- After your whitening treatment is complete and your teeth are as white as you want them, if the fillings are noticeable, they can be replaced. If the fillings are too dark, a cosmetic dentist can use dental composite to replace them. Composite will be mixed to match the shade of your bright smile.
- It’s best to wait a few weeks until the color of your teeth has stabilized to ensure the dentist makes a good match.
If you anticipate needing cosmetic dentistry (e.g, porcelain crowns, dental bonding), it should be completed after your teeth are whitened. The restorations can be made to match the color of your teeth. Otherwise, the restorations will be darker than your bleached teeth.
Caution before Using Free Teeth Whitening
Before whitening of any kind is used, it’s best to consider the following factors:
- Ensure you’ve had a recent dental cleaning and exam.
- Your teeth and gums should be healthy and free of decay.
- Bleaching gel can irritate unhealthy teeth or gums and cause inflammation.
- Depending on the cause of stains in your teeth, bleaching gel can make them more noticeable.
- Follow the instructions to avoid overbleaching your teeth. Too many whitening sessions, or sessions that are too long, can make your teeth brittle and discolored.
This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.