Teeth Whitening First, Restorations Second

A dazzling smile is often associated with confidence and good oral hygiene. Teeth whitening has become popular for those seeking a brighter, more radiant smile. However, if you’re considering any dental restoration, you must do teeth whitening and dental restorations in the proper order for the best, most natural-looking results.

The general rule is “Teeth whitening first, restorations second,” but there are exceptions to this rule. You should schedule an appointment with Dr. King before either procedure to discuss the details and make an appropriate treatment plan.

What to Do Before Whitening?

We recommend a comprehensive dental examination before any cosmetic dental procedure. Dr. King addresses any underlying dental issues at this appointment, such as cavities or gum disease. Treating these problems beforehand ensures that the whitening process is effective and doesn’t cause discomfort or complications. Dental cleanings and plaque removal are also advisable to enhance the whitening results. Dr. King will also discuss your treatment plan at your first appointment.

What to Do After Whitening?

After completing your teeth whitening procedure, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups. Avoiding staining substances like coffee, red wine, and tobacco can help preserve the whiteness of your teeth for a longer duration. Using whitening toothpaste or touch-up kits recommended can help sustain the results achieved from the initial whitening treatment.

Should You Whiten Your Teeth Before or After Dental Restoration?

The optimal time to whiten your teeth often depends on the specific restorative dental procedure you are interested in pursuing.

Before Bonding

Whitening should be done before bonding. The bonding material used in dental procedures does not respond to whitening agents. If you whiten your teeth after bonding, the teeth that are not bonded will look whiter and brighter than those that were color-matched to your natural teeth. By whitening your teeth before bonding, Dr. King can precisely match the bonding material to your whitened teeth for a brighter smile.

Before Crowns and Veneers

Dental restorations like crowns and veneers are crafted to match the current shade of your teeth. If you are getting a new crown or veneers, it’s best to whiten your teeth before getting crowns or veneers so that Dr. King can match your veneers or crowns to your newly whitened teeth. Whitening after these restorations might result in mismatched shades.

Before Fillings

Whitening should precede any dental fillings. The materials used in fillings are resistant to whitening agents. If you whiten your teeth after getting a filling, the filling material, even if it was color-matched to your natural teeth, could look visibly different from your newly whitened teeth.

After Braces

Braces, particularly traditional bracket and wire braces, are the exception to the “whitening first, restoration second” rule. Yes, you can whiten your teeth before getting braces, but some people find that after their braces are removed, their teeth are discolored and not as white in the areas where the brackets were attached.

The best option is to wait until your braces are removed to whiten your teeth. Your teeth may be stained or have plaque build-up where your braces were attached. Have your teeth professionally cleaned first, then wait a few months before teeth whitening to minimize any lingering sensitivity from the braces before undergoing teeth whitening.

Teeth whitening can significantly enhance your smile, but proper sequencing of dental treatments is essential to achieve the best results. We can help you determine an approach tailored to your dental needs at Red Oak Dentistry. You’ll love the results!