Dental bonding is a versatile procedure that can be used to solve or mask a wide range of cosmetic issues, including staining, discoloration, chips, cracks, and even minor gaps between the teeth. But does dental bonding stain more easily than veneers or crowns? In this article, we address this question and give tips on how to prevent stains on your dental bonding.
Does Dental Bonding Stain More Easily than Veneers or Crowns?
Dental bonding can stain more easily compared to some types of veneers and crowns. Dental bonding always uses a resin composite, which is less stain-resistant than porcelain, which is often used for veneers and crowns. However, some veneers and crowns can also be made of resin composite, in which case, there is no difference in stain resistance between these types of restoration and dental bonding.
This being said, whether or not your dental bonding will stain largely depends on the quality of the material used for the procedure and your hygiene and dietary habits. Let us examine some of the most essential tips on how to prevent your dental bonding from staining.
Maintain Efficient Oral Hygiene
Staining can occur when plaque, tartar, and food debris accumulate on the surface of your natural teeth and dental bonding. Therefore, we recommend cleaning your teeth thoroughly twice a day and rinsing your mouth after meals. Effective oral daily hygiene should include two full minutes of brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, along with flossing and water flossing.
Get Professional Cleanings Twice a Year
Even if your daily oral hygiene is impeccable, some plaque can still accumulate on your teeth over time, making your bonding appear discolored or stained. We recommend adhering to a bi-yearly regimen of professional dental cleanings to keep your bonded teeth free of plaque and bacteria. Apart from preventing staining, dental cleaning will also help you avoid tooth decay and gum disease.
Choose the Correct Products for Cleaning Your Teeth
When choosing toothpaste for bonded teeth, avoid products that contain abrasive ingredients, such as soda or charcoal. Such ingredients can create micro-scratches on the surface of your dental bonding. Food particles and plaque can get trapped in the scratches, making your bonding look stained or discolored.
Also, whitening products should not be used on bonded teeth, as they are designed for natural enamel, which is different from the structure of resin composite. Whitening products will not make your bonding look whiter; instead, they can damage it, making it more prone to staining.
If you notice that your dental bonding becomes stained or discolored, we recommend consulting your cosmetic dentist. In some cases, a professional dental cleaning can solve the issue; in others, your doctor might recommend replacing the existing bonding with a new one of a whiter shade.
Avoid Staining Foods and Beverages
Since resin composite is more porous than porcelain or the enamel of your natural teeth, it is more prone to retaining staining agents on its surface. We recommend avoiding the following foods and beverages:
- Red wine
- Black coffee and tea
- Beet root and carrots
- Brightly colored fruit and vegetable juices
- Berries
- Brightly colored spices such as red paprika and curry
- Sodas and candies containing artificial dyes
If you consume any staining products, we recommend brushing your teeth immediately after the meal.
Get High-Quality Cosmetic Services at Dental Care of Chino Hills
Do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist to get dental bonding or maintenance services. In our dental office, we use high-quality materials and modern techniques to deliver the best results to our clients. We are looking forward to your visit.