Will Teeth Whitening Work on Crowns?
A bright, confident smile can make a lasting impression, which is why professional teeth whitening remains one of the most sought-after cosmetic treatments. At BayView Dental Arts in Naples, our team of highly skilled cosmetic and restorative dentists is dedicated to helping patients achieve their brightest smiles.
Achieving a brighter, more confident smile with teeth whitening has never been easier. But if you have dental crowns, you may wonder if they will whiten too. Unlike natural teeth, crowns are made from non-porous materials that don’t respond to bleaching agents. As a result, your natural teeth may brighten while your crowns remain the same shade, creating a potential color mismatch. Let’s explore what this means and how to maintain a seamless, radiant smile.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Professional teeth whitening treatments, such as Zoom! laser whitening, use a peroxide-based bleaching agent activated by a specialized light. This process effectively lifts stains from natural tooth enamel, brightening teeth by several shades in just one session. Crowns are designed to be highly durable and resistant to staining, ensuring long-term protection and aesthetics. While this makes them resilient, it also means they won’t respond to whitening treatments like natural teeth.
What Can You Do If Your Crown No Longer Matches Your Smile?
If you’ve undergone teeth whitening and notice that your crowns are now a different shade than your newly brightened teeth, there are a few options to restore uniformity to your smile:
- Crown Replacement: If your crowns are old or discolored, replacing them with new ones that match your whitened teeth may be the best solution. At BayView Dental Arts, we use CEREC technology to create same-day custom ceramic crowns that seamlessly blend with your smile.
- Professional Cleaning and Polishing: While whitening agents won’t change the color of crowns, professional dental cleanings can remove external stains, helping to restore their original brightness.
- Whitening Before Crown Placement: If you are considering dental crowns but also want whiter teeth, it’s best to undergo whitening treatments first. Your dentist can then match your new crowns to your ideal shade.
How to Keep Your Crowns Looking Their Best
Proper care can help your dental crowns stay functional and aesthetically pleasing for years. Follow these tips to keep them looking their best:
- Brush and floss daily to prevent plaque buildup and staining around the edges of the crown
- Avoid stain-causing foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries
- Schedule regular dental cleanings at BayView Dental Arts to remove surface stains and maintain oral health
- Use non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the surface of your crowns, which can make them more susceptible to staining
Your Trusted Experts in Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry
With decades of experience and a commitment to excellence, our team at BayView Dental Arts is led by highly skilled cosmetic and restorative dentists who utilize the latest advancements in dental technology. We specialize in advanced cosmetic and restorative dentistry, ensuring every patient receives expert care tailored to their unique needs.
Let our experts craft a customized plan for your best smile. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and explore the best options for achieving a beautifully radiant and seamless look!