Why You Cannot Whiten Crowns with Teeth Whitening Products
Teeth whitening products use a bleaching agent, typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to penetrate natural tooth enamel and break down stain molecules. Dental crowns are synthetic. Porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, and composite resin crowns do not contain enamel, so whitening agents have nothing to react with.
Even professional teeth whitening treatments with higher peroxide concentrations will not change your crown color. Using teeth whitening products on dental crowns can actually increase a mismatch if your natural teeth get lighter while the crown stays the same shade.
Surface Stains vs. Intrinsic Crown Color
Dental crowns can develop surface stains from coffee, tea, or tobacco. A dental hygienist can remove stains during a routine cleaning, restoring the crown to its original shade. However, polishing does not make the crown lighter than it was fabricated. If the mismatch is intrinsic, you need a different approach.
Options to Fix a Discolored Dental Crown
If your dental crown no longer matches your natural teeth, several options exist. The right choice depends on the type of crown material, the cause of the mismatch, and your goals for a whiter smile.
Professional Cleaning and Polishing
If the discoloration is limited to surface stains, a professional cleaning can remove stains and restore the crown to its original appearance. This is the simplest first step, typically included in a routine cleaning fee of $75 to $200.
Replacing the Dental Crown
When the crown shade is wrong, replacing it is the most predictable fix. A new dental crown is fabricated to match the current color of your teeth. Replacing a porcelain or ceramic crown costs $800 to $3,000 depending on material and provider. Dental insurance may cover a portion if the crown is damaged or past a certain age.
Whiten Your Teeth First, Then Match the Crown
If you want to whiten your teeth and fix a crown mismatch, the sequence matters. Use teeth whitening treatments on your natural teeth first. Wait at least two weeks for the shade to stabilize. Then have a new dental crown fabricated to match. A prosthodontist is skilled at precise shade matching and can ensure your crown blends with surrounding whitened teeth.
Why Dental Crowns Look Different Over Time
Your dental crown was likely a close match when first placed. Over time, natural teeth darken from thinning enamel and staining while the crown stays the same shade. Older porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can develop a grayish line at the gum margin as gums recede. All-ceramic and zirconia crowns resist this but may show surface changes after many years.
Whitening Treatments and Products That Do Not Work on Crowns
None of these teeth whitening products will whiten crowns or change their color:
- Whitening toothpaste with hydrogen peroxide or baking soda
- Over-the-counter whitening strips and whitening trays
- At-home teeth whitening kits with carbamide peroxide gel
- Professional in-office teeth whitening treatments
- LED or light-activated whitening agents
Can Whitening Products Damage Dental Crowns?
Whitening agents generally do not damage porcelain or ceramic dental crowns. However, whitening treatments can roughen composite resin crowns, making them more prone to staining. Ask your dentist which teeth whitening products are safe to use on natural teeth without affecting your dental crowns.
When to See a Prosthodontist About Crown Color
A prosthodontist specializes in restoring teeth and handles complex color-matching. See one when you need to whiten your teeth and replace dental crowns together, when the crown is on a visible front tooth, or when previous shade matching was unsatisfactory. They use digital shade-matching tools for precise results.
Find a Prosthodontist Near You
Every prosthodontist on My Specialty Dentist has verified specialty credentials. Search by location to find a prosthodontist experienced in crown replacement and shade matching, compare their training, and schedule a consultation.
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