Teeth whitening is an effective way to restore your bright smile, but what if you have dental crowns? Many people wonder if teeth whitening treatments work on crowns the same way they do on natural teeth. In this blog, we will explore whether teeth whitening works on crowns, what alternatives are available, and how you can maintain a bright smile. Keep reading!
Is it Possible to Whiten Your Dental Crown?
Unfortunately, it is impossible to whiten your dental crown because whitening treatments are designed for natural teeth and not composite restorations. Crowns are made of porcelain, metal, or a combination of both. Unlike your natural teeth enamel, which is porous, crowns are non-porous. This means they do not allow hydrogen peroxide to penetrate and work its whitening effect.
Another reason is that the color of a crown is determined during its fabrication in the lab. Your dentist matches the crown shade to your natural teeth. Once set, this color cannot be changed and remains the same even through professional whitening.
So, what can you do about stains on crowns?
Even though whitening treatments won’t work on your crowns, you still have a few options to brighten your smile. These are as follows:
- Get Teeth Whitening Treatment Before Placing a Crown
If you’re planning to get a crown and want your teeth to look uniform, it’s best to whiten your natural teeth before the crown is placed. It allows your dentist to match the crown to your newly whitened teeth. - Replace the Crown
If you already have a crown and have undergone a whitening treatment, one solution is to replace the crown. Your dentist can create a new crown that matches your current tooth shade. - Get Veneers
Another solution is that you can opt for veneers instead of traditional crowns for your front teeth. Veneers are thin shells placed on the front surface of teeth. Like crowns, they don’t respond to whitening treatments, but they can be custom-made to give you the shade you desire from the beginning. - Professional Dental Cleaning
Sometimes, crowns can accumulate surface stains from everyday food and drinks, just like natural teeth. Regular professional dental cleanings can help remove these stains and keep your crowns looking fresh. While this isn’t the same as whitening, it can make a visible difference in the overall appearance of your smile.
Key Takeaways
Whitening treatments cannot change the color of your crowns. A crown will stay the same color as your dentist placed in your mouth. However, if your natural teeth are turning yellow, you can opt for a teeth whitening treatment for the rest of your teeth. These treatments won’t harm your dental crown, and your dentist can replace the crown to match the newly whitened teeth. While you cannot whiten your crown yourself, your dentist can take care of it.
If you have one or more crowns and want to restore a uniform color, consult our dentist at Porter Smiles Dental. Call us at (281) 519-7200 to schedule an appointment.