Expert: Mark Bornfeld DDS - 9/21/2007

Question
Hi Dr. Bornfeld.  My front two teeth were bonded about 15 years ago.  In the last two years the bonding has finally begun to discolor, and I'm feeling self-conscious.  Unfortunately, I simply do not have the money to have them replaced right now!  Is there any way to lighten them until I can afford to replace them?  Thanks so much!

Answer
Dear Katherine,

Unfortunately, any efforts at lightening discolored composite resin are probably ill advised. Resin is porous, and stain from food, tobacco, and beverages tends to penetrate beneath the surface of the filling so that it can't be simply removed by cleaning. Whitening chemicals that work for natural tooth enamel have little or no effect on resin. In addition, the pigments that provide resin with their color are not particularly stable, and tend to fade and become more opaque with time. For these reasons, bonded resin fillings that discolor generally cannot be restored to their original appearance without replacing them outright.

Sorry-- I know that's not the answer you were hoping for...

Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY