Dental crowns are a common type of prosthetic used to restore a badly damaged tooth. But if your crown is older and has lost its shine, or you want to brighten your entire smile, you might be wondering if teeth whitening treatments will work on your Jacksonville dental crowns.
Keep reading to learn the answer.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening uses a bleaching agent to break down the molecules that make up the stains on the surface of the teeth and lift a few shades. Many whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, both of which are bleaching agents that help remove surface stains and lighten tooth discoloration.
To get the results you want, you most likely need several whitening sessions. There are also multiple types of teeth whitening treatments you can access:
In-office treatments: Here, you’ll need to go visit your dentist and get the whitening sessions performed by them. This is a great solution if you want a safe way to brighten your smile, and have a more complex case of staining and discoloration;
At-home professional kits: You can also get a professional kit from your dentist and do the whitening sessions at home. Your dentist will provide lots of instructions to make sure the process runs smoothly. These typically contain whitening gels that are stronger than what you’ll find in drugstores.
Over-the-counter whitening kits: You can also find teeth whitening products online or at your local drug store. However, these are often less potent than professional whitening kits, so your results might not be as visible.
DIY methods: You can find lots of “natural” ways to brighten your smile. However, many of these methods may prove ineffective or even dangerous at times, and they can wear down tooth enamel if used improperly.
Can Dental Crowns Be Whitened?
The short answer’s no. Dental crowns are usually made from porcelain, ceramics, metals, or a combination of materials that don’t react to the bleaching agent the same way your natural teeth do.
This means that whitening agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide won’t change the shade of your dental work.
If your dental crown is stained, you might be able to improve its appearance through professional dental services such as a dental cleaning. During these sessions, the dentist uses whitening toothpaste and tools that often remove surface stains that you can’t fix at home.
Moreover, dental cleanings also remove plaque and tartar build-up, which is why both the crowns and surrounding teeth may appear whiter after these cleanings.
Can You Get Your Teeth Whitened with Dental Crowns on?
Yes—you can still whiten teeth even if you have crowns. However, you’ll need to replace the crowns afterward to match your new shade. Otherwise, you risk having an uneven smile, especially if the crown is placed on the front part of the arch.
It’s common to whiten surrounding teeth first, then have your dental work like crowns, dental bridges, or veneers color-matched to the new shade.
What to Do If Your Crown Looks Dull or Stained
Sometimes, dental crowns can accumulate minor stains, especially on the surface. While whitening toothpaste might help maintain your natural teeth, it won’t significantly change the shade of your crown.
If your crown appears darker than the rest of your smile or has visible surface stains, it may be due for replacement—especially if it’s older or if the tooth underneath is compromised. Decayed teeth beneath a crown can also cause changes in its appearance.
If you’re noticing tooth discoloration or uneven shades in your smile, consult with a dentist about your options. Teeth whiteners won’t fix crowns, but combining whitening procedures with a crown replacement may restore your smile’s balance.
Get a Customized Teeth Whitening Plan at JAX Dental Studios
Getting a white smile shouldn’t be hindered by having dental crowns. Dr. Charles Poblenz is here to help you get a brighter, stunning smile with a custom whitening treatment plan that suits your needs to a T. We understand how dental crowns, missing teeth, and dental work can impact your whitening options, which is why we tailor every treatment to ensure natural-looking results.
We use the latest dental technology in our dental office to make every procedure more comfortable, efficient, and effective. From removing surface stains to safely brightening your natural teeth, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Schedule a consultation with JAX Dental Studios online, or call us at (904) 396-4091 to find out more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I whiten my front teeth if I have dental crowns?
You can whiten your front teeth even if you have a porcelain crown, but the whitening agents won’t affect the crown itself. That’s because crowns are made from durable materials that don’t respond to bleaching treatments. If you’re aiming for a whiter smile, you may need to replace crowns afterward to match your new shade. It’s a good idea to talk with your dentist about treatment options to maintain an even, natural-looking appearance.
What should I do if my crown looks yellow next to my teeth?
If your crown appears yellow or stained, it might be due to yellow dentin from the natural tooth showing through or surface stains building up over time. Unfortunately, teeth whitening won’t fix a dull crown. Instead, your dentist may recommend a professional cleaning to remove stains or even replace crowns for a brighter smile. Discuss your oral health goals with your provider to determine the best treatment options available.
Are there safe ways to remove stains from dental crowns?
While you can’t whiten crowns with bleaching agents, professional cleanings may help remove stains on their surface. Dentists use specialized tools and whitening toothpaste to clean porcelain crowns without damaging them. This approach can support your oral health and make your crowns and natural teeth appear brighter. Avoid abrasive DIY methods like baking soda, which may wear down your crown’s finish and compromise its longevity.
Will I need to replace crowns after whitening treatments?
If you have crowns on your front teeth, you may need to replace crowns after whitening your natural teeth to avoid color mismatches. Whitening only affects your real teeth, not prosthetic materials like porcelain. If your crown looks darker than your natural teeth after whitening, talk to your dentist about treatment options to achieve a whiter smile. A new crown can be color-matched to your updated tooth shade for a seamless look.
Can baking soda help whiten my teeth if I have crowns?
Baking soda may help remove stains from natural teeth, but it won’t whiten porcelain crowns. In fact, frequent use can be too abrasive for both teeth and crowns, potentially harming enamel and the crown’s surface. Instead, talk to your dentist about safer treatment options. Using a protective gel and professional products is a more effective and safer way to achieve a brighter smile without damaging your dental work or compromising your oral health.
