Dental Bridges and Teeth Whitening: What You Need to Know

Dental Bridges and Teeth Whitening: What You Need to Know

by | 6 Nov, 2017 | Blog

Teeth whitening has come a long way over the last few thousand years. The ancient Egyptians whitened their teeth with ground pumice stone and wine vinegar 4,000 years ago. Later, the Romans decided that urine was their whitening agent of choice! It wasn’t until the 1960s that peroxide, which is used to whiten teeth today, was used to whiten teeth.

Hydrogen and carbamide peroxide, the two main components of teeth whitening, can work wonders with stained teeth. What they cannot do, however, is whiten dental bridges or in fact any other type of dental restoration. Whitening agents simply cannot penetrate these materials in the same way they can natural teeth.

If your bridge needs to be whitened, you may be out of luck. However, if you get a bridge that is whiter than your natural teeth, you may be able to solve the problem by whitening your teeth to match. Learn more about your options below.

Porcelain and Acrylic Are Non-Porous

A standard dental bridge consists of two porcelain crowns and a porcelain or acrylic false tooth. Unlike enamel, which is made of microscopic crystals, making it porous, porcelain and acrylic are both non-porous. This means that although these two materials are less prone to staining than enamel, they are also all but impossible to whiten with peroxide.

Teeth whitening works on teeth because the peroxide is able to penetrate the enamel surface to break apart the staining agents that have worked their way into the tooth. Because of this, dentists generally recommend that their patients whiten their teeth before their new dental bridge is created. The dentist can then ensure that the bridge matches the whitened teeth.

If you already have a dental bridge but wish to whiten your teeth, then there are alternatives available to you.

Your Dentist Could Gradually Whiten Your Teeth

It is possible to whiten teeth slowly or in small increments until the desired shade has been achieved. If your bridge teeth are whiter than your natural teeth, for instance, this may be a solution that could work for you. Your natural teeth will stain again in future, however, so this process may need to be repeated.

Bear in mind too that there is no guarantee that your teeth can be whitened to a shade that matches that of your bridge. If this doesn’t work, then you might be better off replacing your bridge.

You May Need to Replace Your Bridge

What most dentists generally recommend is that patients whiten their teeth and then have a new bridge made. That way the two crowns and the abutment tooth can be made to match the shade of the newly whitened teeth.

While this may be expensive, it does make future whitening treatments—with the same dentist—more predictable in regards to matching the shade of your teeth with that of your bridge. In future, you and your family dentist will be able to achieve similar whitening results.

You Could Opt for Veneers Instead

If you want your teeth and your dental bridge to match, you could cover all of your teeth with veneers, giving you a uniform smile. This is probably the least popular alternative with dentists as it involves bonding porcelain to porcelain, which can create a weak bond if not done correctly. However, if carried out with precision, the bond between a porcelain veneer and a porcelain crown can actually be quite strong.

If you are considering this option, you should consider the cost involved. A new bridge for instance, will cost roughly the same as three porcelain veneers. Therefore, you should first consider whether it might simply be better to whiten your teeth and have a new dental bridge made instead, especially if your bridge is already a few years old.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dental bridges be whitened?

No, dental bridges cannot be whitened with traditional teeth whitening treatments. Whitening products only work on natural tooth enamel and do not change the colour of porcelain or acrylic bridge materials.

Why do dental bridges not respond to teeth whitening?

Dental bridges are made from non-porous materials such as porcelain or acrylic. Unlike natural teeth, these materials do not absorb whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

Can you whiten teeth around a dental bridge?

Yes, natural teeth around a dental bridge can usually be whitened. However, the bridge itself will remain the same colour, which may create a mismatch between the bridge and surrounding teeth.

What happens if my teeth become whiter than my dental bridge?

If your natural teeth become whiter than your bridge, the bridge may appear darker or more noticeable. In many cases, replacing the bridge is the best way to achieve a uniform smile.

Should you whiten your teeth before getting a dental bridge?

Yes, dentists often recommend whitening your teeth before having a dental bridge made. This allows the bridge to be colour-matched to your brighter natural teeth for a more consistent appearance.

Can stained dental bridges be cleaned?

Yes, some surface stains on dental bridges can be professionally cleaned by a dentist. However, deep colour changes inside the material cannot usually be removed with whitening treatments.

How can I match my dental bridge to my teeth?

Your dentist may recommend whitening your natural teeth first and then replacing the bridge to match the new shade. Another option may include veneers, depending on your dental condition.

Do porcelain bridges stain over time?

Porcelain bridges are more stain-resistant than natural teeth, but they can still develop surface stains over time from coffee, tea, wine, smoking, and poor oral hygiene.

Can veneers be placed over dental bridges?

In some cases, veneers can be bonded to porcelain crowns or bridges to improve colour consistency. However, this treatment requires careful planning and may not be suitable for every patient.

How long do dental bridges last?

Dental bridges typically last between 5 and 15 years or longer with proper care, good oral hygiene, and regular dental check-ups.

What is the best option if my bridge no longer matches my teeth?

The most predictable solution is usually to whiten your natural teeth and replace the old bridge so it matches your new tooth shade.

Is professional teeth whitening safe with dental work?

Professional teeth whitening is generally safe for natural teeth, but it will not change the colour of existing dental restorations such as bridges, crowns, veneers, or fillings.

If your teeth are stained and in need of whitening but you already have a dental bridge in place, seek out an experienced and reputable dentist near you. Together, you can work out a treatment plan that suits your specific needs.