If you're planning a smile makeover and wondering whether you can whiten your dental crowns, the answer might surprise you. Many people assume that all teeth whitening treatments work on every type of tooth surface, but this isn't the case with dental restorations.
Dental crowns cannot be whitened because they're made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal that don't respond to whitening agents the same way natural tooth enamel does. However, this doesn't mean you can't achieve a brighter, more uniform smile. It just means you need to plan your treatments in the right sequence.
Want a crown as soon as possible? Ask us about CEREC 1-day dental crowns.
The Difference Between Your Natural Teeth & Dental Crowns
The reason why a whitening treatment that works on your teeth has no effect on your crowns is because of the materials involved. Your natural tooth enamel is porous, which lets whitening agents gently penetrate the surface and lighten the tooth's colour from within.
Dental crowns are typically made from non-porous materials like porcelain or ceramic. These materials are chosen for their durability and appearance, so whitening gels can't get inside the crown to change the shade.
The colour of your crown is set during its creation.
How a Crown Gets Its Colour
When you get a crown, your dental team carefully selects a shade that matches the colour of your surrounding teeth. This process helps the restoration blend seamlessly into your smile.
Our dentists in Kitchener use a professional shade guide to find the most accurate match.
Why a Colour Mismatch Happens Over Time
While a dental crown’s colour is stable, the shade of your natural teeth is not. Over the years, your teeth can become discoloured from factors like your daily coffee, tea, or red wine intake. Other substances like age or tobacco use can also cause natural teeth to yellow.
Because your crowns don’t stain the same way, they may start to look different from your natural teeth as the latter begin to stain. This is why planning your cosmetic treatments in the right order is so helpful.
Plan Your Whitening Before Your Crown
If your goal is a brighter smile overall, it’s a good idea to undergo professional teeth whitening before you have a crown placed. Once your natural teeth are the shade of white you want, we can craft a new crown that perfectly matches your newly brightened smile.
By taking care of the whitening first, you set the colour foundation for your entire smile. It puts you in control of the final result.
Professional In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office whitening offers a quick and effective way to brighten your smile in a single visit. We apply a professional-grade whitening agent to your teeth in a controlled and safe environment. Many people see noticeable results right away, making it an efficient first step in a smile makeover.
Professional Take-Home Kits
For those who prefer to whiten their teeth on their own schedule, we can provide custom-fit whitening trays. You use these comfortable trays with a professional whitening gel at home over a few days or weeks. This is a convenient and effective way to achieve a whiter smile before your crown procedure.
What If You Already Have a Crown?
If you already have a crown and want to whiten your surrounding teeth, you still have options. While you can’t change the colour of the crown itself, you can improve the overall appearance of your smile. It just requires a different approach.
Remove Surface Stains From a Crown
Regular dental cleanings can help maintain your crown's original appearance. A professional cleaning and polish removes surface stains from both your natural teeth and your crown, which restores their lustre. It’s best to avoid abrasive whitening toothpastes at home, as these could scratch the crown’s surface.
Replace the Old Crown to Match
The only way to truly change the colour of an existing dental crown is to replace it with a new one. After you complete a whitening treatment on your natural teeth, we can create a new crown that matches their brighter shade. This is a common and effective step for people who want a complete smile refresh.
Create Your Complete Smile Makeover Plan
It’s possible to combine treatments for a full smile makeover. We can help map out a treatment plan tailored to your specific goals and timeline.
- The Consultation: The first step is to sit down and talk about your smile goals. We examine your teeth and any existing restorations to recommend a clear path forward that works for you.
- The Whitening: Next, you’ll complete your chosen teeth whitening treatment. This establishes the new, desired shade for your natural teeth, creating the colour benchmark for your new restoration.
- The New Crown: Finally, we will craft and place your new crown. With modern options like CEREC same-day crowns, this step is more convenient than ever, often requiring just one appointment with no need for a temporary crown.
How to Keep Your Whole Smile Bright
Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits can help maintain your bright smile for years. A few simple habits can make a big difference.
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste and floss daily.
- Limit foods and drinks that are known to stain teeth, like coffee, tea, and berries.
- Schedule regular check-ups and cleanings to keep your teeth and crown looking their best.
- Ask about occasional whitening touch-ups to maintain the shade of your natural teeth.
A beautiful smile is a journey, and planning is everything. By coordinating your whitening and restorative treatments, you can achieve a result that looks and feels great.
At de Man & Höediono Dentistry in Kitchener, we can help you navigate your options and create a plan for your smile. Book your appointment today!