Can You Whiten a Dental Crown?

A dental crown refers to a cap that gets fitted to your damaged tooth that helps to restore its functioning and appearance. Suppose, you have a dental crown and you want to brighten your smile by teeth whitening treatment, you may think that can you whiten your dental crowns? The answer is no. Dental crowns cannot be whitened. However, you can do other things that will improve your smile.

According to the American Dental Association, as crowns are made from composite porcelain or porcelain, whitening treatment may not work on these materials. However, they will be of the same color as they were when your dentist put them. 

Understanding Dental Crowns

In dental crowns, tooth that has undergone fundamental decay or damage will be replaced. Dental crowns refer to prosthetic devices that are designed in such as a way that it will function normally as other teeth. The crowns are known to provide protection and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the damaged or decayed tooth. 

The crowns will resemble the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth so that they don’t look different than the surrounding teeth. A dentist in Plano may help you understand how dental crowns can benefit you to get an attractive smile.

What Teeth Whitening Products Are Available?

Various whitening products are available in the market. Some common categories of teeth whitening products are as follows:

  1. Whitening polishes and toothpastes: These products are composed of some small abrasive particles that help to lift the surface stains. All this helps to get a brighter smile. Some toothpaste may also contain bleaching agents that help to whiten the teeth.
  2. Over-the-counter whitening products: These whitening products contain whitening agents such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. It penetrates in the enamel surface and then breaks down the pigments that are responsible for staining. Along with whitening toothpaste, over-the-counter products are found in trays, whitening gels, pens, and strips. 
  3. Professional whitening treatments: If you want professional whitening treatment, you may consult a dentist. They will suggest you whitening options that contain more concentrations of bleaching agents. Such treatments will give you better and whiter results within a short span of time. The dentist will suggest you treatments according to your particular requirements that will make it effective and safe. 

Why Does Your Crown Look Whiter than Your Natural Teeth?

Your dentist will ensure that the dental crown looks similar to the color of your natural teeth. With time, it may happen that your natural teeth may begin to yellow or start staining. It can occur due to variety of reasons such as:

  • Staining from food
  • Excessive drinking 
  • Consuming tobacco
  • Medical conditions
  • Discoloration from tartar or plaque
  • Thinning of enamel
  • Aging 

The dental crown may also have surface stains as your natural teeth. However, dental crowns are not affected by other factors. Therefore, your crown may tend to look whiter than your surrounding teeth.

How to take care of your dental crowns?

To maintain the longevity and appearance of your dental crowns, you need to follow oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing and flossing. It is crucial to prevent staining and building of tartar and plaque. 

You can even schedule regular visit to dentist for professional cleanings that will make your crowns and teeth look best. Try to avoid foods and beverages that can cause staining. Some drinks that cause staining are red wine and coffee. All these practices will help to maintain your dental crowns in good condition for years.  

Want to whiten your crown? Consult a dentist

For all those who want teeth whitening and are having dental crowns need to consult a dentist. They will assess your oral health to determine best dental treatment that will help you to get a brighter smile. Further, they will even analyze the condition of your crowns and teeth and will suggest right whitening treatment suitable for your teeth. They can even give you aftercare instructions and at-home whitening products that you can use for longer results. Schedule a consultation with experts at Pinnacle Dental for dental solution to your problems.