Can You Whiten Crowns?

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Dental crowns are a type of dental prosthetic used to restore a badly damaged tooth.

Whether one of your natural teeth is cracked, chipped, has a large crown, or is even infected, dental crowns can be used to avoid a permanent extraction.

While they are mostly used in restorative dentistry, they also have a cosmetic purpose since they are made to match the patient’s tooth color, size, and shape. Dental crowns can perfectly blend with your natural teeth.

But what happens if your crown gets severely stained or you want to whiten your teeth down the line? Can dental crowns be whitened?

Keep reading to find out.

What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?

Dental crowns can be made from metals, porcelain, resin, ceramics, or a combination of multiple materials.

The type of dental crown chosen can slightly influence its longevity, but most modern crowns can last around 10–15 years with the right maintenance.

Does Teeth Whitening Affect Dental Crowns?

Unfortunately, no. Teeth whitening treatments use special bleaching agents such as peroxide to break down the molecules that make up the stains on the surface of your teeth.

Dental crowns, no matter what they’re made of, will not respond to these bleaching agents the same way that natural teeth do.

As a result, even if you try to whiten your teeth, the dental crown will preserve its look, while the rest of your teeth won’t. This can lead to an uneven smile, depending on where the dental crown is placed.

Working with a Dentist Who’ll Listen Is Essential

Though dental crowns have a major functional purpose, it’s important to work with a dentist that will also consider your cosmetic needs and desires.

For instance, if you need a dental crown and want whiter teeth, you can go through the whitening treatment prior to having your crown made. This can help you get the results you want.

If you already have a dental crown and want whiter teeth, there are two possible solutions:

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• Professional dental cleanings - A deep cleaning can remove some stains both from your teeth and dental crown. This could be enough to get you the results you want;

• Change your dental crown - If professional cleanings aren’t enough, then your only solution is to get a new dental crown. You’ll first whiten your teeth, and get the new crown made in your new tooth shade.

Getting a Healthy and Beautiful Smile

We understand that patients want both a healthy and stunning smile. Dr. Daniel Bickel is prepared to help you access the right solutions to achieve your desired goals, both through restorative and cosmetic procedures.

Find out what your smile needs by requesting a visit to Redmond Art of Dentistry online.

If you want to learn more about our services, feel free to call us at (425) 883-1331. We’d be happy to answer all your questions.