What is tooth bleaching and how does it work? Teeth bleaching is one of the popular methods of teeth whitening, in which stains and discoloration of the surface of the teeth are removed by using special chemicals. This process involves the use of gels containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which penetrate the tooth enamel and break down the dark pigments. Of course, the teeth bleaching process itself is done in 2 modes and 2 methods: teeth bleaching in a dental office, which is known as office bleaching, or teeth bleaching at home, which is known as home bleaching. The first method is performed in a dental office under the direct supervision of a dentist during one or two one-hour sessions; But the second method is done at home and by special kits by the person himself. So, naturally, to get results (due to the lower concentration of bleaching materials), you will need to repeat this process continuously in the long term. To learn more about how to do this process, it is better to visit the article What is teeth bleaching? The effect of bleaching on filled teeth Does bleaching also whiten filled teeth? So far we have found that teeth bleaching is a beautiful process to whiten the color of discolored teeth. But does teeth bleaching leave the same effect on filled teeth as it does on healthy teeth? If we want to answer this question honestly, we have to say no. Bleaching does not have much effect on the whitening of filled teeth. Even if you use the best teeth whitening brand! Because filling materials such as composite, amalgam and ceramic do not react to whitening compounds and unlike natural tooth enamel, they have a non-porous structure. By the way, in an article entitled "Will Tooth Whitening Treatments Affect Your Fillings", this issue is also mentioned. In part of this article it is stated: > White fillings and crowns and the root surfaces of teeth will not lighten with bleach, but natural tooth enamel will lighten. > > The white fillings and crowns and root surfaces of the teeth are not brightened with bleach, but the natural tooth enamel is brightened. As a result, after bleaching, only the natural teeth become lighter, but the filling materials remain unchanged and may cause color differences in the smile. Therefore, it is better not to pay the cost of teeth whitening for a tooth that you had previously repaired or covered. Why bleaching does not have much effect on filled teeth? Let us first discuss the reasons for the discoloration of filled teeth and examine the reason why bleaching does not affect each reason separately. ### Type of tooth filling material One of the main reasons for the color change of filled teeth is the type of material that the dentist uses to fill your tooth. For example, a material such as amalgam, which is widely used for dental restorations, is gray and black in color. So it is normal that when your tooth is filled with this material, your tooth will look a little darker than a healthy tooth. Of course, this is not true for other materials such as composite. Because the composite itself is white and does not change the color of the teeth. **Then why bleaching the filled tooth has no effect?** Because bleaching materials do not have the ability to change the color of a material like amalgam. ### Discoloration of tooth filling materials The material used to fill the tooth, which is a composite such as amalgam or ceramic, changes color over time. Especially if you are not good at keeping your mouth and teeth clean. Materials such as composites usually change color very quickly due to the consumption of pigmented foods and drinks such as coffee and tea. It means that the color will fade and they may not easily return to their original white state. **Why bleaching the filled tooth has no effect?** Because the tooth bleaching compounds are not strong enough to penetrate into the composite structure of the tooth and change its color. ### Inherent blackening of the teeth due to the absence of nerves When a tooth is denervated and then filled, the blood supply inside it is cut off. So, the decomposed materials remaining in the inner canal of the tooth cause its gradual color change to gray or black. **Why is bleaching ineffective for restored teeth?** Because this color change starts from inside the tooth and is an internal problem. Therefore, bleaching, which is a superficial method related to external stains, cannot be corrected. ### Settlement of pigments in the filling edges In some cases, with the passage of time, small cracks are formed at the junction of the filling material with the tooth. Cracks where food and drink pigments seep in, and this can cause the edges of fillings to appear darker or yellower than the rest of the tooth. **Why bleaching does not work for filled teeth?** Because it is not right to penetrate teeth bleaching materials into these edges due to coming into contact with the gums. Because gums may become inflamed due to exposure to bleaching substances. **Read more:** Pharmacy bleaching price ### Differences in the structure of restorative materials and tooth enamel Natural tooth enamel has a porous structure. It means that it is not smooth, polished and uniform. So the effect of bleaching on tooth enamel is that it allows the penetration of bleaching substances by itself. But on the other hand, filling materials such as composite resins or metal amalgams are non-porous and do not react to bleaching compounds. **Why bleaching for filled teeth** **has no effect?** Because the difference in the structure of tooth restorative materials causes the color of natural teeth to become brighter after bleaching, but the fillings still remain the same color and create inconsistencies in the teeth. Bleaching limitations for restored teeth After teeth bleaching, only the color of the natural teeth will change (not the filled teeth), it brings complications or rather disadvantages and limitations. One of the disadvantages of teeth bleaching in this context is the following: ### Unfavorable appearance of teeth due to color difference Since dental filling materials do not react to bleaching, a person may experience significant color contrast after teeth whitening. This issue can affect the appearance of the smile and force the person to do additional treatments such as veneers. ### Need to replace or restore filling materials In some cases, filling materials may need to be replaced or restored after bleaching to match the color of the teeth. This is not only expensive, but may require more treatment sessions and require the dentist to match the new color to the whitened teeth. Alternative bleaching methods for filled teeth If you are planning to do teeth bleaching, but you do not know how to establish harmony between your filled and healthy teeth, you should use one of the following two methods: - Replacement of filling material with suitable color - Use of cover or veneer ### Replacement of filling material with suitable color One of the common methods for harmonizing the color of the teeth after bleaching is to replace the old filling materials with composites of the same color as the whitened teeth. This method allows a person to have a uniform and natural appearance after teeth whitening. ### Use of cover or veneer For people who have many filled teeth and cannot benefit from bleaching, using ceramic veneers or dental veneers is a suitable option. Because these methods not only make the appearance of the teeth more beautiful, but also have higher durability and resistance and can maintain a beautiful appearance for a long time. Of course, in some cases, it is not bad to go for a method like scaling to make your teeth a few degrees lighter. Important points before bleaching Before doing bleaching, it is better to consult your dentist so that your dentist can use the best and most effective tricks to whiten one hand of your teeth by carefully examining the condition of your filled teeth. In this regard, Dr. Nazi Banianian recommends that: > Be careful, if your teeth have old fillings or severe stains, the dentist should check whether these restorations need to be replaced or not. In some cases, it may be better to replace the ill-fitting fillings first and then proceed with bleaching. Post-bleaching care for filled teeth Avoid colored foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, and spicy foods for a few days after bleaching. Because the teeth are more sensitive and prone to color absorption during this period. 55. Brushing with toothpastes for sensitive teeth and using non-alcoholic mouthwashes can help reduce sensitivity and maintain teeth health. So use these mouthwashes with the advice of your dentist. 56. If, after a few days, you notice a sharp difference in color between your teeth and the filling material of your restorative teeth, visit a dentist so that the dentist can think of a suitable solution to solve this problem. ### The final conclusion on the subject of **Bleaching for filled teeth** Teeth bleaching can have a great effect on the beauty of your smile. But this method may also create challenges for people who have filled teeth. Since filling materials do not react to bleaching, there may be a color difference between natural and filled teeth. Therefore, people who intend to do bleaching, first of all, should know that bleaching does not work for filled teeth. Therefore, it is better to pay the cost of teeth whitening after consulting a dentist, and if needed, consider alternative methods such as changing filling materials or using veneers. Finally, by following the health and care tips, you can get a favorable result from bleaching and beautifying your teeth.