Bonding and whitening teeth
Whitening changes natural tooth colour, while composite bonding adds tooth-coloured resin to alter shape, repair small defects or close limited spaces.
What is the direct answer?
Whitening changes natural tooth colour, while composite bonding adds tooth-coloured resin to alter shape, repair small defects or close limited spaces.
What does this question mean?
Peroxide-based whitening breaks down colour molecules in enamel and dentine. Bonding uses etched enamel, adhesive and cured composite resin shaped and polished on the tooth.
What can you do next?
A clinician checks decay, cracks, gums, fillings, crowns and sensitivity, then may whiten natural teeth before selecting the composite shade.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek examination before cosmetic treatment if there is toothache, bleeding, decay, enamel wear or one dark tooth; report persistent sensitivity or chipped bonding.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask what causes the colour difference, whether restorations will change colour, how much enamel is altered and how bonding can be repaired.
Frequently asked questions
What determines the right next step?
The examination finding, symptoms, anatomy and existing dental work determine the appropriate next step.
Can home care replace an examination?
Home care can support comfort and cleaning, but it cannot identify every cause or remove problems such as calculus, decay or a structural defect.