Does Teeth Whitening Work on Fillings?
Over 35 million people in America use whitening treatments every year. Teeth whitening treatments are a great way to brighten your smile. Does teeth whitening work on fillings?
In this article, we’ll answer all your teeth whitening questions as well as ‘does teeth whitening work on fillings?’
Table of Contents
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Fillings?
There are many different types of teeth-whitening kits on the market for you to choose from. The two main types are over-the-counter or professional teeth whitening treatments. These whitening treatments come in various application methods and strengths.
Does teeth whitening work on fillings? Whether you’re working with your dentist to brighten your smile or purchased an at-home kit, dental restorations will not change color. Dental fillings, crowns, and other restorations cannot be whitened.
For help choosing the best whitening treatment for you, check out our article The Most Effective Tooth Whitening Treatments
How Teeth Whitening Works
Your natural tooth color can range from yellow to grey hues. Yellow coloring is easy to whiten and works with most whitening systems. Grey coloring is more challenging to whiten and usually requires professional help.
Discoloration Sources:
The most common cause of discoloration is staining from food and beverages. Smoking and tobacco use are also common discoloration sources. Other causes can be trauma, aging due to the natural thinning of enamel, and certain medications.
Certain lifestyle habits make you more prone to building up stains on the teeth. Dry mouth and mouth breathing decrease your saliva flow, making stain buildup easier over time. If you wear clear aligner retainers, you may also be more prone to stain buildup.
The Tooth Whitening Process:
Teeth are porous, like sponges, and the whitening agents open up the tubules to remove the stain. The active ingredient in whitening treatments reacts with stains and breaks down the bond. This chemical reaction results in a whiter, brighter smile.
Tooth whitening treatment will only work on natural tooth structures. They will not bleach fillings or restorations. Your dental professional can help match any restorations with the tooth shade you’re happy with.
Does Teeth Whitening Damage Fillings?
Teeth whitening kits use chemical agents to brighten your smile. Does teeth whitening damage fillings? These active ingredients do not harm dental fillings or other dental restorations.
Teeth whitening can damage your enamel. The enamel tooth structure supports any dental restoration you may have. It’s important to have strong enamel to keep any dental restorations supported so that they can last a lifetime. It’s also important to have strong enamel to prevent needing any future dental restorations.
Tips for Keeping Your Teeth White
Whitening treatments last differently for everyone. Discolorations can build up easier for some depending on their tooth structure, oral hygiene, and lifestyle factors.
To make your whitening treatments last longer, follow our tips below.
- Drink any staining beverages through a straw and follow up with water These include coffee, teas, dark sodas, and smoothies with berries.
- If you experience cold sensitivity, sensitive toothpaste can help block the sensation. An option is using sensitive toothpaste in the morning to protect you throughout the day and your dentist recommended toothpaste at night.
- Our Sensitivity After Whitening has more information.
- Some gum sensitivity is common. Make sure you wipe off any excess gel that gets on your gums. Vitamin E capsules can help soothe gum irritation. Break open the capsules and gently rub them on the gums after whitening.
- The best way to maintain a white smile is by daily brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings. Visit Our Guide to a Healthy Smile for more home care tips.
For additional tips and tricks, check out our article Tips for Whitening Teeth.
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Fillings?
Does teeth whitening work on fillings? No matter how strong your whitening treatment is, your dental fillings and restorations will not whiten. You can work with your dentist to replace your dental fillings and match the tooth shade you’re happy with.
If you plan on getting dental restorations on your front teeth, talk with your dental team about whitening first. Your dentist can match your fillings or other restorations to any shade of teeth you’re happy with. Always consult your dentist first to prevent any possible damage or dental emergency.
Should You Avoid Whitening Your Teeth?
Teeth whitening is a great way to brighten your smile, but not everyone should utilize it. Teeth whitening can harm your enamel if used incorrectly or if your enamel is compromised. Enamel is very important to the health of your teeth and cannot be replaced once it is gone.
You should avoid whitening treatments if:
- You have weak or thin enamel. Whitening treatments may worsen your enamel health leading to tooth pain and sensitivity.
- If your gums aren’t in good health. Gum disease is linked to many systemic diseases and should to controlled before considering whitening your teeth.
- Check out our Treating Gum Disease Guide to learn more.
- If you are at high risk of cavities or currently have cavities. Cavities will continue to grow until treated, eating away at your enamel and tooth structure. This can lead to sensitivity, dental pain, and infections.
- If you haven’t seen the dentist in the past year. There may be underlying issues that you are unaware of that can be exacerbated by teeth whitening.
Always consult with your dental team before using any teeth whitening treatments. This will ensure that your mouth is healthy and they are safe for you to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a way to whiten fillings?
Any dental restoration, including fillings, will not whiten over time. Dental fillings can dull and collect stains if not taken care of properly. Your dentist will be able to replace any filling to match the shade of teeth after whitening.
Do fillings lighten with teeth whitening?
Fillings will not lighten with teeth whitening. The active ingredients in whitening treatments do not change the color of fillings or any other dental restorations. Your dental professional can help match any restorations with the tooth shade you’re happy with.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile store for educational brochures and other fun printables to help with oral hygiene. All products can be customized to fit your dental needs.
