A crown can repair a broken or severely decayed tooth but may cause complications during teeth whitening. Since dental crowns are made from a different material than natural teeth, it is normal for you to wonder if whitening is possible. Before going ahead with the treatment, it is better to discuss your options with the dentist.
Crowns are usually fabricated from composite resin or porcelain. If the dentist recommends dental crowns, they will take impressions of the patient’s tooth to create a crown that fits over the affected tooth. The crown is bonded over the tooth and can last for up to seven years.
When making the crown, the dentist will ensure it matches the color of existing teeth. If natural teeth gradually start to stain or yellow, the crown will appear whiter than nearby teeth. Fortunately, dental crowns will stay the same and will not stain easily like natural teeth.
Most teeth whitening options fall under the following categories:
Over-the-counter whitening kits: Products containing percentages of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide can bleach the enamel. These bleaching agents are available in whitening gels, trays, strips and toothpaste. They are available in stores and allow individuals to make their teeth a few shades whiter in the comfort of their home.
Pastes and polishes: Some whitening products and toothpastes contain abrasive materials that work similarly to a skin exfoliator. They only remove minor stains and will not do much to the tooth’s color. Removing surface stains only makes the teeth somewhat whiter.
In-office treatment: For more dramatic results, individuals can talk to their dentist about in-office treatment. The bleaching agent used by the dentist is stronger and can achieve better shades. The dentist can formulate the treatment based on the condition of the patient’s smile, making it the safest and most effective teeth whitening treatment.
Dental crowns cannot be bleached, but the dentist can whiten existing teeth for a close match to the crowns. The porcelain used for making dental crowns can withstand the powerful whitening agents used in the dentist’s office. Fortunately, this means that patients can undergo teeth whitening treatment without damaging the previous dental restoration.
While the whitening process will not have an adverse effect on dental crowns, it will not whiten them. Teeth whitening can whiten the rest of the teeth. The alternative, when the teeth cannot be bleached to match dental crowns, is to replace the crowns to match the rest of the teeth. That way, the dentist can fully restore the patient’s smile and make the entire mouth look sparkling white.
If you have one or more crowns and want to improve the color of your teeth, talk to your dentist. They can recommend the best treatment options to ensure the crowns and existing natural teeth turn fully while. So, to answer the question, you can undergo teeth whitening if you have crowns. To get started, book an appointment for a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://totalcareimplantdentistry.com or call Total Care Dentistry & Implants at (760) 394-3088 for an appointment in our Palm Desert office.
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