I Want to Whiten My Teeth But I Have Fillings: Expert Tips (2024)

If you've ever thought, I want to whiten my teeth but I have fillings, you're not alone!

This common concern among those seeking a brighter smile is particularly relevant for our diverse clientele, from young professionals to beauty enthusiasts. If you're pondering whether teeth whitening is possible with fillings, you're in the right place.

This article dives into the effectiveness of whitening products on dental fillings, the science behind teeth whitening, and crucial preparatory steps such as addressing cavities.

With our expertise in dental health, we aim to provide clear, accurate answers, ensuring you can pursue teeth whitening with confidence and informed understanding.

What this article covers:

  • Will Whitening Products Work on Dental Fillings?
  • Will Whitening Products Work on Dental Fillings?
  • Do You Need to Fix Cavities Before Whitening Your Teeth?
  • Whitening With Fillings FAQs

Will Whitening Products Work on Dental Fillings?

Whitening products, including our SNOW Whitening System, are not designed to change the color of dental fillings, crowns, or veneers. This is because these restorative materials do not react to the bleaching agents used in teeth whitening products.

According to the American Dental Association, whitening treatments only affect the natural tooth structure and have no effect on tooth-colored restorations. However, this doesn't limit your ability to achieve a brighter smile.

Our system effectively enhances the whiteness of your natural teeth, though it's crucial to consider that if the contrast between your natural teeth and fillings becomes noticeable post-whitening, you may need to consult with your dentist regarding the replacement of these fillings.

This approach ensures a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing result, aligning with your smile goals.

I Want to Whiten My Teeth But I Have Fillings: Expert Tips (1)

Will Whitening Products Work on Dental Fillings?

When it comes to teeth whitening and dental fillings, there's a key piece of information to understand: whitening products do not change the color of dental fillings, crowns, or veneers. This is because these restorations are typically made from resin composite materials or ceramics that do not react to the bleaching agents used in teeth whitening products, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide​​.

At SNOW, we focus on enhancing the natural beauty of your teeth. Our Whitening System is specially formulated to work on your natural teeth, brightening them effectively while maintaining the integrity of any dental work you may have. It's important to know that while the color of your fillings or crowns will remain the same, the surrounding natural teeth will lighten, potentially leading to a noticeable contrast​​​​.

If you have various types of dental restorations and are considering teeth whitening, it's essential to consult with your dentist. They might suggest additional treatments to harmonize the appearance of your teeth post-whitening. These could include the replacement of old cosmetic crowns, the use of crowns to cover intensely discolored teeth, dental bonding to correct imperfections, or veneers for your incisors​​.

The process of replacing these restorations usually mirrors the original procedure, involving the removal of existing fillings and crowns, cleaning of the teeth, and selection of new materials to match your whitened teeth​​.

It's crucial to approach teeth whitening with a comprehensive view, considering both your natural teeth and any restorative work. Our goal at SNOW is to guide you towards achieving a uniformly bright smile, ensuring that you feel confident and satisfied with the results.

I Want to Whiten My Teeth But I Have Fillings: Expert Tips (2)

Do You Need To Fix Cavities Before Whitening Your Teeth?

Before embarking on a teeth whitening journey, it's crucial to address any existing dental issues, particularly cavities.

At SNOW, we emphasize the importance of optimal oral health to ensure the best outcomes from our whitening treatments.

Dealing With Cavities And Tooth Decay

Cavities, characterized by decayed portions of the tooth, can be softer and more vulnerable compared to healthy tooth areas. When exposed to the bleaching agents in teeth whitening treatments, these weakened spots can suffer further damage.

WebMD, a trusted source in health information, explains that cavities need to be treated before undergoing any whitening procedure. This is because the whitening solutions can penetrate into any existing decay and the inner areas of the tooth, leading to increased sensitivity or pain post-treatment.

Additionally, cavities often harbor bacteria, which the bleaching agents might not eliminate, potentially leading to further infection and decay. Therefore, fixing cavities is not just a precautionary measure but a necessary step before whitening to prevent exacerbating dental issues.

What To Expect During Teeth Whitening

Once your teeth are cavity-free and healthy, you can expect a safe and effective whitening experience with SNOW products. Our formulations are designed to cater to sensitive teeth, ensuring comfort without compromising on results.

The process usually involves gradual whitening over a few days, with more pronounced results appearing over weeks. Post-treatment, it's advisable to avoid staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine.

Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, using fluoride-containing mouthwash, and routine dental check-ups are essential to maintain your newly brightened smile and overall dental health​​.

I Want to Whiten My Teeth But I Have Fillings: Expert Tips (3)

Conclusion

Embarking on a teeth whitening journey, especially with dental fillings, requires a thoughtful approach.

We've delved into how whitening products interact with a stained tooth filling, the science behind teeth whitening, and the importance of addressing dental health issues like cavities.

Remember, while fillings remain unaffected, our SNOW teeth whitening system effectively brightens your natural teeth.

Ready to achieve that dazzling smile? Explore our range of products and begin your journey to a brighter smile at SNOW teeth whitening.

Whitening With Fillings FAQs

Can I Have My Teeth Whitened Before My Crowns Or Fillings Are Placed?

Yes, it's generally a good idea to whiten your teeth before getting crowns or fillings. This allows your dentist to match the color of the restoration to your newly whitened teeth.

At SNOW, we suggest planning your whitening sessions a few weeks before any restorative dental work.

What If I Have Multiple Dental Restorations And Want My Teeth To Be Whitened?

For those with multiple dental restorations, it's important to have realistic expectations. While whitening products won't change the color of your restorations, they can enhance the natural parts of your teeth, potentially creating a more uniform look.

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I Want to Whiten My Teeth But I Have Fillings: Expert Tips (2024)

FAQs

I Want to Whiten My Teeth But I Have Fillings: Expert Tips? ›

Unfortunately, even the most successful whitening solution will not improve the color of dental fillings. Therefore, a person with tooth-colored fillings would likely see a difference after whitening. In that case, the individual can visit the dentist to have the fillings replaced.

Can you get your teeth professionally whitened with fillings? ›

The reality is that no tooth whitening treatment – whether professionally applied at the dental office or used at home – works on tooth-colored fillings or crowns. Bleaching gels and products are only designed to lift stains off of natural tooth structures, not composite restorations.

How do you whiten your teeth with fillings? ›

Stained fillings cannot be whitened, they must be replaced to correct.

Can I get my teeth whitened if I need fillings? ›

Having tooth decay does not automatically disqualify a patient from getting teeth whitening treatments. It simply means the dentist needs to address the cavities and decay before proceeding with whitening the patient's teeth.

Can you use teeth whitening kits if you have fillings? ›

Crowns & Fillings Do Not React To Chemical Teeth Whiteners

Unlike your natural teeth, the peroxide used to whiten teeth does not react to the material of your tooth-colored crown or filling. They cannot be whitened, and will always remain the same shade even if you have the rest of your teeth whitened.

Do whitening strips work on fillings? ›

Only natural teeth will change color in response to whitening products. If you have tooth-colored fillings of composite resin, dental crowns or veneers, they will NOT whiten. In fact, attempting to use teeth whitening products when you have existing dental work on front teeth, may actually make them look worse.

How to remove stains from teeth fillings? ›

Sometimes fillings become stained well before they're ready to be replaced. In these cases, dentists can use a drill or polisher to remove a very thin layer of the filling's outer material. This removes the stained material and makes the filling look new again.

Can hydrogen peroxide whiten fillings? ›

The primary reason is that the material fillings are made of do not respond to bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

Should you get fillings before or after whitening? ›

If you have cavities and are thinking about getting them filled before your next teeth whitening appointment, it's a good idea to do so. The color of your tooth fillings will no longer match the shade of your teeth once you've had them whitened.

Can you get laser teeth whitening with fillings? ›

If the patient whitens any natural teeth, they will be a different color than the restorations, which will then stand out. The treatment will not harm the crowns, implants, or fillings but will also not alter their appearance.

Can I whiten my teeth if I have fillings on my front teeth? ›

Fillings do not respond to tooth whitening treatments. Dental fillings are often made of composite resin materials. Composite resin materials do not respond to peroxide in the same way that your natural teeth do. In fact, dental fillings will stay the same color no matter what you do.

Does teeth whitening work on composite fillings? ›

The color of dental fillings is permanent and cannot be lightened or changed with teeth whitening procedures. However, a few dental procedures like dental bonding, veneers, or teeth-whitening products can restore the overall appearance and make the fillings less noticeable.

How to whiten teeth in 2 minutes? ›

Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.

How to hide fillings in teeth? ›

4 OPTIONS TO HIDE OR REPLACE METAL FILLINGS
  1. Tooth-Colored Fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are a common way to completely replace metal fillings with composite resin fillings. ...
  2. Inlays and Onlays. ...
  3. Porcelain Dental Crowns. ...
  4. Porcelain Veneers.
Sep 17, 2018

Does Opalescence work on fillings? ›

Crowns, bridges, fillings, and veneers will not whiten. Those with gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, and exposed roots may not be good candidates for whitening their teeth.

Will baking soda whiten fillings? ›

The Effectiveness of Baking Soda

Although it's effective at removing new surface stains, baking soda does very little for older, set-in stains. Nor can it help whiten stains or discoloration inside a tooth from cavities or a dying tooth root.

Should I get fillings before or after whitening? ›

If you have cavities and are thinking about getting them filled before your next teeth whitening appointment, it's a good idea to do so. The color of your tooth fillings will no longer match the shade of your teeth once you've had them whitened.

Will a dentist whiten your teeth if you have cavities? ›

If you have active cavities, it's important to have them treated before getting your teeth whitened. This will ensure that your teeth are strong and healthy enough to withstand the bleaching agents and minimize the risk of pain and sensitivity.

Does teeth whitening work on fillings and crowns? ›

Will teeth whiteners affect your crown? Most crowns are made from porcelain or composite porcelain. According to the American Dental Association, whitening treatments do not work on these types of materials. However, they will remain the color they were when your dentist put them in.

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