Whitening chipped teeth

[ati2400]

Hi, guys. My situation is that about 2 years I chipped my bottom two front teeth and I've left it until now because I didn't think it was an issue at the time. Now I'm thinking about getting teeth bonding to fill in the little chipped pits, but I want to whiten my teeth first so I won't have to worry about getting "technicolor teeth" later on down the line. My question is, is it safe to whiten teeth with hydrogen peroxide if you have two slightly chipped front teeth? The damage is small but the dentin may be exposed on one of the teeth (there was pain when it first happened but it went away after a few days and hasn't bothered me since), so would 3% concentration hydrogen peroxide damage the dentin at all if it was exposed?

Also I was reading about how composite filling falls out and stains after only a while, is that true? The chips are very small so I don't think I'd want to get a veneer or anything, but is this what I should be looking at instead? Is there a way you can test if the dentin is exposed and you need to get work done - or whether you can just leave it?

Thanks for your help.

[Dr Pav Khaira]

It is certainly safe to whiten chipped teeth, you dentist will protect any vulnerable areas if needed.

Bonding can be extremely stable long term if done well, although in certain circumstances your dentist may advise veneers for extra strength, this of course depends on the position of the chip

I hope this helps

Kindest regards

[ati2400]

Thanks for your reply, Dr Khaira. I just want to clarify that I was meaning that I was doing it myself at home with hydrogen peroxide solution: I wasn't getting a professional treatment. I've been using this solution as mouthwash before I brush my teeth (3% concentration) and I've noticed a mild stinging sensation in my tongue and gums if I gargle it for longer than 30 seconds or so, so I was getting worried that the dentin in my two teeth might be exposed and getting damaged by the hydrogen peroxide.

I guess what I'm really getting at is: would 3% hydrogen peroxide damage dentin if it was exposed to it?

Also, while I've got you here, can I just ask what the health reasons for doing bonding work on small chips are? My understanding was that it's to protect the dentin since it's vulnerable to decay, is that correct?

[Dr Pav Khaira]

The at home method you are attempting without supervision will not work. The strength is not adequate and the whitening products must be used in gel form and not mouthwash for in order for them to be effective.

Bonding may be indicated to prevent decay as you have mentioned but is not always necessary

I hope this helps

[jhonny]

you can still have a teeth whitening procedure...

[davidbloom]

It should be fine to whiten the teeth that are chipped. If you are power
whitening the exposed dentine can be protected during this and then if
they are sensitive during the tray phase then this area can be covered
temporarily. Alternatively the exposed dentine can be covered initially'
'just in case'.

Bonding will be the most conservative way to repair the teeth, and as
long as at least a week passes after whitening and before bonding then
this bond will be as strong as without any whitening. The bonding will
be strong enough if done correctly and if your bite is correctly
adjusted.

Bonding however will not last as long as porcelain but can be polished,
redone or porcelain can always be placed instead at a later date if
required.

[davidbloom]

If you want to whiten your teeth it does need to be done before the
bonding. The dentine can be sealed to protect it so this should not be
an issue. You should then wait at least a week after the whitening
before having the bonding done to achieve the best bond strengths.

Bonding is the most conservative way to deal with the small fractures
and if the bonding is done correctly it should not fall off. If they
stain they can be polished, replaced or at that time you could move onto
veneers but I feel that bonding is definitely the best starting point
for small fractures.

Regards

David Bloom
Past President BACD
Accredited member BACD

cid:[email protected]

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