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Beverly Hills Institute of Dental Esthetics
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Brian LeSage, DDS, FAGD, FAACD

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What’s Up with My New Dental Bonding Turning Brown?

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What’s up with my new dental bonding turning brown? Could this happen within just eight months? I don’t smoke or drink coffee or soda. I floss, brush, and do everything my dentist said I should to keep the bonding bright. When I asked my dentist why it’s discoloring, he implied that must be the problem. I’m not returning to the dentist for him to redo the bonding. I don’t trust his work anymore. Should I get porcelain veneers and skip the trial and error on my teeth? Thanks. Tyson from Boston

Tyson,

We understand it can be frustrating when new dental bonding doesn’t maintain its expected shade.

Why Might New Dental Bonding Turn Brown?

New dental bonding may turn brown due to a dentist’s technique, skill, or materials. Achieving a perfect, long-lasting match with dental bonding requires significant skill, advanced training, and an artistic eye from the dentist. It also depends on using the proper selection of high-quality composite materials that vary in texture, color, and translucence to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. If the initial bonding doesn’t match well or changes color, simply repeating the process without addressing these factors may not yield a better result.

However, there are effective ways to address this. It is unlikely that porcelain veneers are the only way to restore your teeth.

Should You Get Dental Bonding Replaced or New Porcelain Veneers?

Both dental bonding and porcelain veneers can correct aesthetic concerns. A skilled cosmetic dentist can achieve beautiful, natural-looking results with either technique. Bonding and veneers differ primarily in the preparation required.

Porcelain veneers typically involve removing a very thin layer of enamel from the front surface of a tooth to ensure a perfect fit.

Dental bonding, on the other hand, usually only requires a light roughening of the tooth surface before the composite material is applied.

A cosmetic dentist can thoroughly evaluate your teeth during a consultation and discuss potential treatment. It is essential to understand all aspects before deciding. They will typically explain:

  • The amount of tooth preparation required for each option.
  • The estimated cost involved.
  • The expected lifespan or longevity of the cosmetic work.
  • The kind of aesthetic results you can realistically anticipate.

We recommend scheduling consultations with at least two cosmetic dentists with extensive experience and advanced training in aesthetic dental procedures. You will get comprehensive information and different professional perspectives.

After these consultations, you can confidently decide whether you prefer new, expertly applied dental bonding or porcelain veneers.

 

Brian LeSage, DDS, an accredited fellow of cosmetic dentistry in Beverly Hills, sponsors this post.

Dental bonding before and after photos of Beverly Hills Dr. LeSage's patient.

Dental bonding before and after photos of Dr. LeSage’s patient. See his smile gallery for case details.

 

 

What Is the Treatment for White Spots on Teeth After Braces?

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My teenage son had braces for almost two years. After the orthodontist removed the braces last month, the white spots on my son’s teeth were more noticeable. Despite in-office whitening from our family dentist, the spots have not improved. Sometimes I think they look worse. Maybe we should try whitening again with another dentist if it’s related to the brand. Any suggestions on what to ask for? Thanks. Yule

Yule

In-office teeth whitening is ineffective for uneven tooth color. In-office or take-home bleaching kits can make stains more noticeable.

What Is the Treatment for White Teeth Spots After Braces?

The treatment for white tooth spots after braces depends on the cause of the discoloration. Decalcification often causes white spots around braces if the patient doesn’t thoroughly clean around and beneath them. An interdental brush can remove debris beneath brackets and prevent bacteria from deteriorating tooth enamel.

  • Remineralizing the white spots in tooth enamel may minimize them.
  • Microabrasion may improve discoloration, resulting in a creamier tooth shade than white teeth.
  • Dental bonding can seamlessly conceal white spots after braces. A dentist would blend dental bonding to match the shade of your son’s tooth enamel and hide the defect.

An exam from an expert cosmetic dentist is crucial. Their expertise will help identify the source of the stains and recommend the most appropriate treatment. A cosmetic dentist can efficiently restore your son’s smile and achieve natural-looking results.

Brian LeSage, DDS, an accredited fellow of cosmetic dentistry in Beverly Hills, sponsors this post.

 

Before and after pictures dental bonding on front teeth

Composite bonding on front teeth from Dr. LeSage

Will Dental Bonding Hide Hypoplasia Spots on My Teeth?

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My teeth are discolored from hypoplasia. I know that dental bonding is cheaper than porcelain veneers. I hope it’s an option for me. Can dental bonding work for hypoplasia? Thank you. Brittany from Santa Fe, NM

 

Britanny,

Before asking your dentist for a specific treatment type, ensure he or she has advanced cosmetic dentistry training. Ask your dentist about your experience with hypoplasia cases, too.

What Is Enamel Hypoplasia?

Enamel hypoplasia is a defect in tooth enamel caused by genetics or disease during tooth formation. The condition prevents the enamel from forming fully. Mild hypoplasia causes white spots on teeth. However, severe cases can cause thin, pitted tooth enamel, dentin exposure in some places, and spotted teeth.

What Is the Treatment for Hypoplasia?

Treatment for hypoplasia depends on its severity. Dental bonding can treat mild cases, but severe cases require porcelain veneers.

The photo below is of a patient’s teeth with severe enamel hypoplasia. You can see deep, brown horizontal striations (lines) in the front teeth. The enamel on the front teeth is thin. Adjacent teeth are less affected but have white spots and mild pitting. A severe case like this requires porcelain veneers for the affected teeth. However, when the backs of teeth (next to your tongue) have severe hypoplasia, a dentist may recommend dental crowns instead of porcelain veneers.

Severe enamel hypoplasia with deep brown horizontal grooves in the front teeth and many white spots on other teeth

Severe enamel hypoplasia

A mild hypoplasia affecting one tooth can be restored with direct composite bonding. After drilling out the surface of the white spot, a cosmetic dentist can fill the space with a high-gloss composite. The small spots on the other teeth can be left alone or treated with composite.

Mild enamel hypoplasia on a patients teeth with spots on the front teeth

Mild enamel hypoplasia

 

We recommend scheduling a consultation with an expert cosmetic dentist. Even for dental bonding, most general or family dentists lack the inventory of high-gloss, translucent composites to match the tooth and make the bonding look natural.

Beverly Hills accredited fellow of cosmetic dentistry Dr. Brian LeSage sponsors this post.

 

Why Is My Dental Bonding Turning Yellow?

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In March 2023, my dentist did dental bonding on six upper front teeth. Over the past 15 years, I’ve had composite done every five or six years. The newest composite is beginning to turn yellow. Can this be polished away or whitened, or will my dentist have to redo it? I hope she doesn’t use this to convince me to get porcelain veneers. I want another opinion before hearing what my dentist has to say. Thank you. Krystina from Chicago

 

Krystina,

Dental bonding should not turn yellow within a few months unless you are a heavy smoker.

Why Is Your Dental Composite Turning Yellow?

Dental composite may turn yellow prematurely depending on its quality or whether your dentist applied and polished it well. You can ask your dentist to replace the bonding or get a second opinion on the bonding quality from an advanced cosmetic dentist.

How to Take Care of Composite Bonding

You can take preventive care of composite bonding on your teeth. These steps will help you maintain the appearance of your veneers longer.

  1. Choose an expert cosmetic dentist – Although general dentists stock composite for general purposes, advanced cosmetic dentists have a full inventory of composite materials. General-purpose composites are impossible to polish to a high, stain-resistant gloss like tooth enamel. A cosmetic dentist will provide a high-quality composite that lasts longer.
  2. Avoid abrasive toothpaste – Choose toothpaste, like Supersmile, made for cosmetic dentistry work. Although it costs more than other brands, it will not scratch the composite surface and increase the risk of staining.
  3. Ensure your hygienist uses fine abrasives. A dental hygienist should only polish your teeth with a fine abrasive. Hygienists trained to care for composite often use a fine aluminum oxide polish.
  4. Limit how often you drink staining beverages – If you drink dark sodas, wine, or berry juices, swallow them quickly rather than letting them linger in your mouth. Hot drinks like coffee and tea slightly expand the composite and leave stains more easily. Drink water or rinse your mouth after drinking staining beverages.

How Do Porcelain Veneers and Composite Bonding Compare?

Some differences between porcelain veneers and composite bonding that most general dentists provide include:

  • Strength – Porcelain is tough, but composite is softer.
  • Stain resistance – Porcelain is colorfast and resists stains better than tooth enamel. Composite is susceptible to stains, but an advanced cosmetic dentist can usually polish out surface discoloration. Stains that get absorbed into the composite will not polish out.
  • Longevity – Porcelain veneers can last 15 years, but composite must be replaced or refreshed every five years.

Whether you choose composite or porcelain veneers, you will get the best results from a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training. If your dentist cannot improve the stains in your new composite, consider getting a second opinion from a skilled cosmetic dentist.

Beverly Hills accredited fellow of cosmetic dentistry Dr. Brian LeSage sponsors this post.

For more information, see our posts on whitening dental bonding and how often bonding can be redone.

Full-face and close-up before and after pictures of dental bonding from Beverly Hills accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Brian LeSage

Quality composite bonding by Dr. Brian LeSage of Beverly Hills

Will Teeth Whitening Work on Bonding?

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Can you tell me which teeth whitening brands will work on dental bonding? I’ve tried Crest strips and another brand, but my whitening still looks dingy. Instead of wasting money trying different brands, I hope you can tell me which ones will get the best results. I got the bonding in 2016 when I lived in Omaha and want to refresh it. Thanks for your help. Bryce from Walkill, NY

Thank you for your question, Bryce.

Will Teeth Whitening Work on Bonding?

Teeth whitening will not work on dental bonding, whether it is a premier over-the-counter brand or professional whitening from a dentist. Bleaching gel penetrates natural teeth to break down stains, but it will not remove bonding discoloration. Read about the effects of abrasives on bonding in our post, Will I Need New Dental Bonding Again?

What Are the Effects of Trying to Whiten Dental Bonding?

If you try to whiten dental bonding with bleaching gel containing carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, the gel may whiten your natural teeth while leaving the bonding unchanged. Any bonding discoloration or stains will become more noticeable after your natural teeth are whiter.

What Is the Treatment for Dark or Stained Dental Bonding?

Depending on the condition and age of your dental bonding, a skilled cosmetic dentist may be able to polish it and improve its appearance. Otherwise, the dentist will recommend replacing your bonding. If you want whiter teeth and dental bonding, speak with the dentist about whitening your teeth first. After your teeth are as bright as you wish, the dentist will blend dental composite to match your tooth shade and translucence.

The benefits of replacing dental bonding include the following:

  • Requires less removal of tooth enamel than porcelain veneers
  • Matches the shape, shade, and characteristics of adjacent teeth
  • Looks natural
  • Conceals tooth discoloration that will not improve with bleaching gel

Read our post that compares porcelain veneers with composite veneers.

Request a Dental Bonding Consultation

Schedule consultations with two advanced cosmetic dentists to discuss your options for improving your dental bonding. Dentists apply bonding by hand while you sit in the dental chair. Advanced cosmetic dentists have the training, instruments, materials, and artistic talent to blend the bonding seamlessly with your natural teeth—even if you decide to bleach them before bonding.

 

Beverly Hills accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry Dr. Brian LeSage sponsors this post. See examples of his beautiful results in his smile gallery of patient photos.

Dental bonding before and after photos of Beverly Hills Dr. LeSage's patient.

Dental bonding before and after photos of Dr. LeSage’s patient. See his smile gallery for case details.

How to Close Gap Between Front Teeth When You Already Have Crowns

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I have a space between my two front teeth. And I’m wondering which treatment will work and how long I will be sedated for it. The older I get, the less I like my smile, so I want to do something about this even though I’m anxious about getting major dental work done. I have a crowns on both teeth. Can the gap between my teeth be closed with porcelain veneers, or do I need new crowns?

-Thanks, Eliza from New Hampshire

Eliza,

After reading your question, I am wondering why the dentist who made your crowns left a gap between your teeth. It would have been much easier if the dentist closed the space when placing the crowns.

Closing a Gap When You Have Crowns on Your Front Teeth

  • Size of the gap – Depending on the width of the gap between your teeth, your dentist might recommend replacing both crowns. Your dentist will ensure both teeth are the same size and enhance your smile. If the gap is large, there could be some work also required on the lateral incisors to give you properly proportioned teeth.
  • Composite bonded to porcelain – A cosmetic dentist can close the gap by bonding composite resin to the porcelain crowns. A micro-etcher is a dental tool that has a small sandblasting piece. Your dentist can complete these steps:
    • Micro-etch the porcelain next to the gap
    • Use hydrofluoric acid gel to etch the tooth and prime the surface with a coupling agent—a synthetic agent that will help the bonding seal to the porcelain
    • Applied bonding resin followed by composite bonding material that matches the shade of your crowns
    • Shape and polish the composite
    • Although this method is less expensive than replacing your crown and dental bridge, it is not uncommon for stains to later appear around the margin where the composite meets the porcelain.
  • Porcelain veneers – Although it is possible to bond veneers over porcelain crowns, you have the same risk of staining at the margins. Veneers are expensive, so it will cost the same as redoing your crowns.
  • Orthodontics – You would probably be a good candidate for Invisalign invisible braces.

I would recommend seeing a dentist who is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Some of these options are tricky and require advanced training. After an examination and digital x-rays, your dentist will determine which treatment options are best for the health and appearance of your teeth and smile.

Would You Want to Be Sedated?

You mention that you are anxious about major dental work. You may want to consider conscious sedation. You can read about that procedure on this website and if you decide that’s what you want, ask about that when you call to make your appointment.

Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist Dr. Brian LeSage sponsors this post.

How to Close Gap Between Front Teeth When You Already Have Crowns

“Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful.”
– Thích Nhất Hạnh

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