Transforming Discoloration: Can You Whiten Your Fillings?
Dental fillings are the saviors of decayed teeth, preserving their strength. But these saviors can get discolored over time, turning into a cosmetic issue themselves. But the question is, can they be whitened? Many people want to know if it’s possible to reverse this process so the fillings look like they did when they were first applied. This detailed guide will talk about the reasons why restorations get discolored, the problems with whitening treatments, and other ways to fix this common dental problem.
Your smile is one of the most influential factors you need to consider if you want to be attractive and charming. A set of pearly and bright teeth can make you a more charismatic person, especially when you meet others for the first time. However, keeping your smile flawless all the time is a little bit too dreamy, and dental problems always threaten your oral wellness. Here at Pearl Dental Group, our team of dedicated dentists can help you with these issues and preserve your delightful smile with our quality services. One of the most widely used options to address different issues is a dental filling. They can be made from various materials such as resin composite or glass ionomer.
Therefore, they are prone to discoloration, especially if you consume too many dark-colored foods and drinks. Although we offer the highest quality of tooth fillings in North York, the risk of staining is inevitable. What can you do if you have such problems? Today’s blog gives you all the information you need about this case to reduce the risk of this problem and avoid it as much as possible.
Why Are Restorations Discolored?
Dental fillings are usually made of metals like amalgam, composite resin, gold, or ceramic. Even though these materials play a very important role in restoring the function and appearance of damaged teeth, their color can change over time for a number of reasons.
- Consuming dark-colored foods and drinks can stain the filling material
Just like real teeth, fillings can get stained by foods and drinks with dark colors, like coffee, tea, red wine, and also cigarettes. Fillings can get surface irregularities and microfractures over time, which could let stains stick to them and change their color.
- Filling material can get darker over time
Although composite resin material is a popular choice for restoring teeth, it may lose its initial shade after some time. This can happen because of some chemical changes in this substance. Exposure to staining foods and smoking can also be the reason for this discoloration.
- Neighboring teeth might change their color
Changes in the color of nearby teeth caused by factors like getting older, genetics, or tooth trauma can make the difference between the natural teeth and the dental filling even more noticeable. In this case, even if the filling stays the same color, the changed look of the teeth next to it can make the smile look off-balance.
Discolored Restorations treatments
Searching For a Solution: Is It Possible to Whiten Fillings?
You’ve probably heard of whitening agents that are used to whiten teeth. Bleach and whitening toothpaste are examples of these agents. These work on natural teeth to remove their stains and fix the discoloration. But unfortunately, whitening agents don’t have an effect on filling material. If you use these items to try to whiten fillings, they might make the color uneven or damage the tooth structure around the filling.
But why? The reason is that dental fillings are made to be stable and do not react with chemicals, which means that bleaching agents used in teeth-whitening treatments have a harder time working on them.
Although whitening agents have let us down, it’s not the end of the world! If you’re unhappy about the discoloration of your fillings, check out the following solutions:
- You Can Replace Your Fillings
If the discoloration is serious or lasts a long time, getting new restorations to replace the old fillings may be the best way to fix the problem. The dentist will remove the old restoration and replace them with new filling material, so that it can match the color of your teeth again.
- You Can Cover the Filling with Dental Bonding
Have you heard of dental bonding before? Bonding is a minimally invasive process in which a tooth-colored composite resin is glued to the teeth. This procedure is useful for treating minor cosmetic issues like broken teeth. Luckily, bonding becomes effective in this very situation. The bonding material is put directly on the surface of the discolored filling. The resin is shaped and polished so that it blends in with the tooth structure around it. This creates a refreshed look for your restored tooth.
- You Can Get Porcelain Veneers
If the discoloration is very noticeable and is making you uncomfortable, porcelain veneers may be the best option for you. These thin shells are made to fit over the front of your teeth, including any fillings that you can see. They can be color-matched to look exactly like the color of your other teeth, creating a natural and satisfying appearance.
Cleaning Your Mouth
If you maintain a quality hygiene routine, you have a higher chance of removing those staining particles near the filling. Otherwise, they can stick and settle into the filling surface, making it discolored over time. Our dentists in Toronto can teach you how to properly clean your teeth during our North York checkup and cleaning services.
Furthermore, you can ask them about the best type of toothbrush and toothpaste according to your oral condition. They give you all the critical tips you should follow to keep the filling as shiny as a pearl.
Polishing the Filling
If you notice your filling is discolored and its color has changed, it’s time to visit our Toronto cosmetic specialists to find the most suitable solution. One of the safest methods you can try is to have the filling polished by removing a thin layer of its outer material. In this way, your filling becomes as shiny and white as before, and it looks new once again. However, you need to visit a reliable dentist for this process to prevent any damage to your enamel. Otherwise, you might experience dental emergencies in North York such as tooth sensitivity, soft tissue damage, etc.,
How to Keep Dental Fillings from Turning Yellow
Filling discolorations may be inevitable sometimes. But there are certain things that reduce the likelihood of it significantly. Let’s have a look:
- Regular Teeth Cleaning
- Good Oral Hygiene
- Limited Use of Staining Foods
- Cutting Back on Tobacco
- Dentist Visits
Teeth cleaning is something helpful that you can do to prevent your dental restoration from staining. It also reduces the risk of other serious dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease. During regular cleanings, your dentist can remove surface stains and plaque buildup. This will maintain the fresh look of your restorations and add to their durability.
Be mindful of brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. Brush at least twice a day and floss daily. This way, you can prevent plaque and surface stains from building up on both natural teeth and fillings.
As we mentioned before, certain foods and drinks can have a staining effect on your teeth and the filling material. To avoid increasing the risk of discoloration, try not to eat or drink these foods and beverages too much and rinse your mouth out with water after eating or drinking them.
Tobacco products can also stain natural teeth and can also change the color of dental fillings over time. In addition to the favor that you do for your general health by quitting smoking, it has a huge effect on keeping your smile looking shiny and healthy.
Make sure to schedule regular dental checkups. By doing this, your dentist can keep an eye on the state of your fillings and fix any problems before they get worse. Your dentist can also give you advice on how to take care of your restorations properly and suggest treatments that will keep your teeth preserve their glow.
How Do You Fix a Discolored Filling?
Dental fillings can’t be whitened the same way that real teeth can, but there are other ways to fix stained restorations and make your smile look better. You can keep your dental fillings looking nice and working well for years to come if you know what causes staining and take care of your teeth properly. Talking to a dentist is always the best way to find the best treatment choices for your needs and goals.
If you have any concerns regarding your dental fillings and you want to know what the best method for you is to get their shine back, our dentists at Pearl Dental Group are here to help you make the best decision. You can be confident that your teeth are being taken care of in the best way possible thanks to the experience and skills of Pearl Dental Group Dentists.
This addresses the various factors such as enamel erosion, gum recession, or tooth decay that can lead to sensitive teeth.
Offers advice on preventive measures like using a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding acidic foods, and maintaining good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of tooth sensitivity.
Discusses dental treatments such as desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride treatments, or dental sealants that can help alleviate tooth sensitivity.
Explores habits like teeth grinding, aggressive brushing, or consuming acidic foods and drinks that can exacerbate tooth sensitivity and offers strategies to avoid them.
Provides guidance on when to seek professional dental care if tooth sensitivity persists or worsens despite home remedies and lifestyle changes.
Provides guidance on when to seek professional dental care from Pearl Dental Group if tooth sensitivity persists or worsens despite home remedies and lifestyle changes.
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Pearl Dental Group: Specializing in crafting radiant smiles and elevating dental health for over 30 years! Are you curious to know about sparkling smile secrets? We at Pearl Dental Group provide comprehensive and high-quality dental services through our expert team. Pearl Dental Group is ready to provide you with a wide range of services in both general and cosmetic dentistry. Our professional dentists prioritize your health and the aesthetics of your smile.
From professional teeth whitening, root canal treatments, dentures, dental implants, dental crowns to expert gum disease therapy and transformative dental veneers, front tooth filling, dental bonding , dental bleaching, tooth extraction our skilled team ensures top-tier services tailored to your needs. Book Your appointment and enjoy all the exciting facilities we offer.
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