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

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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

How Often Can I Whiten Dental Bonding?

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I’ve had dental bonding on my front teeth for about five years. Now that I finished Invisalign, I can see all the imperfections on the surfaces of my teeth. I’ve noticed my bonding isn’t as bright as it used to be. One of the five teeth is starting to stain. My dentist wants to replace the bonding, but it isn’t worn. It just isn’t as white as it used to be. How often can I whiten the dental bonding without damaging it? Thank you, Trey

Trey

Congratulations on completing your Invisalign® treatment. Many people with dental bonding are interested in whitening it as it ages.

How Often Can You Whiten Dental Bonding?

Unfortunately, you cannot whiten dental bonding. Instead, abrasive substances can scratch dental bonding and make them stain more easily.

An expert cosmetic dentist may be able to polish away stains or discoloration depending on these factors:

  • Type of stain
  • Condition of bonding
  • Age of dental bonding

If you try to whiten your bonding with whitening toothpaste or bleaching gel, the product may whiten your teeth, but it will not.

What Is an Alternative to Dental Bonding?

Porcelain veneers are an alternative to dental bonding.

  • Cost – Porcelain veneers cost more than bonding–$1,500 to $3,000 per tooth.
  • Longevity – Quality veneers can last 20 years or longer, while bonding may last about five years.
  • Staining – Porcelain veneers are stain resistant, but dental bonding stains with time.
  • Procedure – A cosmetic will roughen the surface of your teeth for dental bonding, but porcelain veneers may require removing small amounts of tooth enamel. Preparation for porcelain veneers ensures the custom-made porcelain shells fit snugly on your teeth and around your gumline.

If your budget permits it, you may consider porcelain veneers a longer-lasting solution than dental bonding. We suggest scheduling a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist to discuss your options.

Young man smiling after getting dental bonding from Beverly Hills accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. LeSage

Watch a video of this patient’s dental bonding treatment from Dr. LeSage

Dr. Brian LeSage, a Beverly Hills accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry, sponsors this post. Watch a dental bonding video of one of Dr. LeSage’s patients. Or, read our post on what causes dental bonding to stain prematurely.

My New Dental Bonding Stained Within Two Weeks!

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How long does it take dental bonding to get stained? Can coffee and tea stain my new dental bonding within two weeks? I just got the bonding and didn’t know I needed to stop drinking coffee and tea. Could toothpaste like Supersmile help, or should I quit drinking coffee and tea altogether? I wish my dentist had told me what to expect. Thanks. Chelsea from NJ

 

Chelsea,

How Soon Does Dental Bonding Stain?

Dental bonding attracts stains over time but not within two weeks. Bonding can last three to ten years depending on its quality maintenance and how well you take care of it. If a dentist lacks proficiency in cosmetic dentistry, you can experience premature staining. We will explain.

Dental Bonding Properties

Dentists apply a composite mixture of plastic resin and inorganic fillers to your teeth. Fillers may be glass, silica, or quartz of different sizes, yielding varying results.

  • Hybrid composites – The larger particle size can produce strong composites but don’t polish as well.
  • Microfill composites – The tiny particles are not as strong as hybrid composites, but a cosmetic dentist can polish them with a luster that looks like natural tooth enamel.
  • Nanofill composites – Some dentists choose nanofills for a combination of high strength and high polish.

What to Expect with Dental Bonding Quality from a Family Dentist

Most family dentists stock dental bonding materials like a hybrid composite that is durable but lacks luster. In contrast, an expert cosmetic dentist stocks a variety of composites and selects them based on each patient’s case, including the condition and location of your teeth. A cosmetic dentist would choose high-luster composite on front teeth to make them look natural. Also, a cosmetic dentist layers shades and translucencies to make the composite look realistic.

Why Would Your Bonding Stain So Soon?

Dental bonding may stain prematurely if your dentist uses a composite that doesn’t polish well. Also, if your dentist doesn’t have the right polishing equipment, your bonding will lack shine.

We recommend asking your dentist to give your bonding more stain resistance with a high polish. If she cannot correct the bonding, look for an advanced, preferably accredited cosmetic dentist who can fix the work. The cosmetic dentist may recommend porcelain veneers if your bonding covers the entire surface of each tooth. You will get long-lasting, stain-resistant results that perfectly match your natural teeth.

Although Supersmile toothpaste prevents and removes stains, it is not as effective when a lack of polish causes stains on dental bonding. Schedule a consultation with an expert cosmetic dentist.

 

Beverly Hills accredited fellow of cosmetic dentistry Dr. Brian LeSage sponsors this post. Get more information in our post on why dental bonding may turn yellow.

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.

My Lateral Incisors Are Too Short, But I Don’t Want Crowns

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My left and right lateral incisors are way too short. I am 37 yrs old, so there is no hope of a growth spurt. Can the incisors be moved down with braces or lengthened somehow? My dentist said he could lengthen my teeth with ceramic crowns, but is that the only solution? – Vivian

Vivian – An examination and diagnostic studies are required to determine why your lateral incisors are too short. The examination will reveal if your teeth have fully erupted and are correctly positioned. If they are, orthodontic treatment is probably not the answer.

What Are the Treatment Options for Short Lateral Incisors?

Before-and-after minimal prep porcelain veneers from Beverly Hills dentist Brian LeSage

Dr. LeSage placed eight porcelain veneers on this patient’s upper front teeth for beautiful shape and form

An artistic cosmetic dentist can examine and x-ray your lateral incisors to determine treatment options. A porcelain crown is an aggressive treatment that requires shaving down your natural tooth on all sides. Alternatives for lengthening lateral incisors are listed below.

  • Gum contouring – Using a dental laser, a dentist can shorten your gums, contouring them around your incisors to help them look longer. This is a possibility only if gum contouring will not expose tooth roots.
  • Cosmetic bonding – Skilled cosmetic dentists blend dental composite to match the color and translucence of your natural teeth. After cleaning and lighting etching each tooth, the dentist applies a bonding agent. Afterward, the cosmetic dentist will layer dental composite on each tooth and shape and harden the composite. Further shaping and polishing help the composite look natural. If you receive quality dental bonding, take care of it, and have it regularly maintained by a cosmetic dentist, it can last ten years or more.
  • Porcelain veneers – Thin layers of porcelain can fit over the fronts of your lateral incisors. A cosmetic dentist may lightly save the teeth to prevent the porcelain veneers from looking bulky. Porcelain veneers will not stain. When well maintained by you and your dentist, they can last 15 to 20 years.

Whether you receive porcelain veneers or some other form of cosmetic dentistry, the quality, durability, and look of the restoration you receive depend on the skill of the cosmetic dentist you choose. We recommend finding two or three experienced cosmetic dentists with whom you can schedule consultations. Ask about each dentist’s training, credentials, and experience. Also, ask to see before-and-after photos of each dentist’s patient cases like yours.

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

Read our post about whether dental bonding or veneers are best for peg laterals.

 

Will I Need New Dental Bonding Again?

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Will I need new dental bonding again? I thought my teeth and dental bonding looked more noticeable after I finished Invisalign. I spent so much money on Invisalign that I cannot afford teeth whitening right now, so I decided to whiten my teeth with a mixture of activated charcoal and baking soda. It seems that the dental bonding absorbed some of the mixture, and now it looks dull. I am so embarrassed. Is there anything I can do to correct it before my dental appointment in March? Thank you. Leah from Elk Grove

Leah,

Thank you for your question. We understand wanting your teeth to look brighter, especially after the Invisalign treatment. You are not alone in attempting to cut costs by whitening your teeth yourself.

How Does Baking Soda or Activated Charcoal Affect Dental Bonding?

Baking soda and activated charcoal are abrasive to dental bonding. So repeatedly using the abrasives can damage the gloss on your bonding and make it look dull. A cosmetic dentist would need to examine your bonding to determine your treatment options.

Does Activated Charcoal Whiten Teeth?

Recent studies show that activated charcoal does not whiten teeth. A November 2020 article on the effectiveness of activated charcoal for enamel whitening shows that after 14 days of experiments on bovine (animal-based) enamel discs, charcoal-based power had no whitening effects.

Can You Restore Dull Dental Bonding?

If your dental bonding is dull from abrasives, a cosmetic dentist will examine the bonding to determine the extent of the damage. Your treatment possibilities include:

  • Restore – The dentist may be able to polish the bonding to restore its gloss.
  • Resurface – A touch-up may resolve the dullness.
  • Replace – A dentist may recommend replacing the bonding if it is old or too damaged to restore.

Whether you get your bonding polished, resurfaced, or replaced, look for nonabrasive toothpaste for cosmetic dentistry restorations. Supersmile® toothpaste is a brand that keeps your bonding fresh without scratching it. For more information about whitening dental bonding, please read the post, Will Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Bonding?

We suggest scheduling a consultation with a cosmetic dentist to examine your bonding and determine your treatment options. Correcting the dullness of your bonding may not be as expensive as you think. When you are ready, you can consider your options for in-office or at-home teeth whitening.

Beverly Hills accredited fellow of cosmetic dentistry Dr. Brian LeSage 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.

Will I Need New Dental Bonding Again?

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