Can you whiten teeth if you have crowns? This is a common question among individuals who have invested in dental crowns to restore the appearance and functionality of their smiles. The good news is that while crowns cannot be whitened like natural teeth, there are alternative methods to achieve a brighter smile without the need for new crowns.
Dental crowns are custom-made caps that cover the entire visible portion of a tooth, restoring its shape, size, and strength. They are typically made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, or gold, and are used to protect weakened teeth, improve the appearance of stained or misshapen teeth, or cover dental implants. While crowns are durable and long-lasting, they do not respond to teeth whitening treatments in the same way natural teeth do.
Why Can’t Crowns Be Whitened?
The reason crowns cannot be whitened is due to their non-porous nature. Unlike natural teeth, which have pores that can absorb and react to bleaching agents, crowns are solid and do not contain these pores. This means that the bleaching agents used in teeth whitening treatments cannot penetrate the crown material and alter its color.
Alternative Methods for a Brighter Smile
Although crowns cannot be whitened, there are several alternative methods to achieve a brighter smile:
1. Porcelain Crowns: If your crowns are made from porcelain, your dentist may recommend a new set of crowns with a brighter shade. This involves removing the existing crowns and creating new ones that better match your desired tooth color.
2. Dental Veneers: If you have multiple stained or discolored teeth, your dentist may suggest dental veneers. These thin, custom-made shells are bonded to the front of your teeth to improve their appearance and can be crafted in a variety of shades to achieve the desired result.
3. Teeth Whitening Trays: If you have natural teeth that can be whitened, your dentist can provide you with custom-made teeth whitening trays. These trays are filled with a bleaching gel that you wear for a specified period, allowing the gel to whiten your natural teeth while leaving your crowns untouched.
4. Professional Whitening: Your dentist can perform a professional teeth whitening procedure in their office, which may involve using a stronger bleaching agent than over-the-counter options. This can provide faster and more noticeable results for your natural teeth, while your crowns remain the same color.
Conclusion
While crowns cannot be whitened, there are alternative methods to achieve a brighter smile. Consult with your dentist to determine the best option for your individual needs and preferences. With the right approach, you can maintain a beautiful, confident smile even with dental crowns.
