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Can Dental Crowns Be Whitened? Tips to Maintain Their Shine

Dec 24, 2024
Dental Crown

Dental crowns are a popular and effective solution for restoring damaged, decayed, or weakened teeth. These custom-made restorations can improve the appearance, strength, and function of teeth, making them a crucial part of modern dentistry. However, one question many patients often have is whether dental crowns can be whitened or not. After all, natural teeth can be bleached to achieve a brighter smile, but crowns are a different material. In this blog post, we will explore whether dental crowns can be whitened, why they don't respond to whitening treatments in the same way as natural teeth, and provide essential tips on how to maintain their shine and keep them looking as good as new.


Understanding Dental Crowns

Before diving into the question of whitening, it’s important to understand what dental crowns are made of. A crown is a cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including:

  1. Porcelain: The most common material for crowns because it mimics the natural appearance of teeth and offers great durability.
  2. Porcelain-fused-to-metal: A combination of porcelain and metal, offering added strength for molars while still providing an aesthetic appearance.
  3. All-metal: Made of materials like gold or other alloys, these crowns are incredibly strong but lack the aesthetic appeal of porcelain crowns.
  4. Zirconia: A modern, high-strength material that is known for its durability and ability to blend with natural teeth.


Can Dental Crowns Be Whitened?

The answer is no—dental crowns cannot be whitened in the traditional sense, like natural teeth. The whitening agents in over-the-counter or professional teeth whitening treatments (such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) are effective on natural tooth enamel, but these agents do not penetrate the materials used in crowns.


Why Can’t Crowns Be Whitened?

Dental crowns are made of materials that do not respond to teeth-whitening treatments in the same way as natural teeth. Unlike the porous structure of enamel, which allows whitening agents to break down stains and brighten the tooth, the materials used in crowns (such as porcelain or metal) are non-porous. This means that whitening agents can’t penetrate the crown to lift any stains or discoloration.

Additionally, the color of crowns is set during the fabrication process, where the dental lab matches the shade of the crown to the natural teeth. Once placed, the color remains fixed, and any staining or discoloration that occurs over time cannot be reversed by whitening.


What Causes Dental Crowns to Stain?

While dental crowns themselves cannot be whitened, they can still become discolored or stained over time. Here are some common factors that may cause dental crowns to lose their shine:

  1. Food and Drink: Just like natural teeth, dental crowns can become stained from consuming certain foods and beverages. Coffee, tea, red wine, and certain foods with high acidity can contribute to surface stains over time.
  2. Poor Oral Hygiene: Neglecting to brush and floss regularly can cause plaque buildup on the surface of the crown, which can lead to discoloration and dullness.
  3. Tobacco Use: Smoking or using smokeless tobacco can cause yellowish-brown stains to form on crowns, especially porcelain crowns.
  4. Aging: Over time, even the most durable crowns can accumulate stains or lose their original luster as they are exposed to daily wear and tear.


Tips for Maintaining the Shine of Dental Crowns

Even though you can’t whiten dental crowns, there are several strategies you can adopt to keep them looking bright, shiny, and free from discoloration. Follow these simple maintenance tips to help extend the life of your crowns and keep them looking their best.


1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is the most important step in preventing stains and discoloration on your crowns. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the crown’s surface. Additionally, floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from around the crown and the gum line.

Regular professional cleanings by your dentist will also help keep your crowns in top condition and remove any stubborn buildup that home care might miss.


2. Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks

While it’s not always possible to avoid your favorite foods and beverages, you can minimize their staining effects on your crowns by limiting consumption. Coffee, tea, wine, dark sodas, and other highly pigmented foods and drinks can cause staining over time. If you do indulge, try drinking them with a straw to reduce contact with the crown and rinse your mouth with water afterward.

Additionally, foods like curry, soy sauce, and berries can contribute to surface stains. Limiting or brushing after consuming these items can help preserve the appearance of your crowns.


3. Quit Smoking or Using Tobacco

Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of staining, not only for natural teeth but also for dental crowns. Smoking or using smokeless tobacco can cause yellowish-brown stains that are difficult to remove. Quitting smoking or using tobacco products will not only benefit your overall oral health but also help keep your crowns looking their best.


4. Use Non-Abrasive Toothpaste

Some toothpaste, especially those labeled as “whitening,” contain abrasive ingredients that can scratch the surface of your dental crowns. This can lead to dullness and increase the risk of stains becoming embedded in the tiny grooves of the crown. Choose a non-abrasive, fluoride toothpaste to clean your crowns without damaging their surface.


5. Get Regular Professional Cleanings

Even though crowns are not as susceptible to decay as natural teeth, they still need to be professionally cleaned by a dentist. During your regular dental check-ups, your dentist can remove any plaque, tartar, or surface stains that may have accumulated over time. Professional cleanings will also ensure that your crowns are in good condition and functioning properly.


6. Consider a Crown Replacement if Necessary

If your crowns are showing signs of severe discoloration or damage that cannot be cleaned or fixed, your dentist may recommend replacing them. Modern dental materials, such as zirconia or high-quality porcelain, are highly resistant to staining, so opting for a replacement with these materials can help ensure a longer-lasting, aesthetically pleasing restoration.


7. Be Careful with Hard or Sticky Foods

Hard or sticky foods can potentially damage your dental crowns. Biting into hard candies, ice, or other tough foods can cause crowns to crack or become dislodged. Sticky foods like caramel or chewing gum can also pull on your crowns, loosening them over time. Be mindful of what you eat and chew to avoid unnecessary wear on your crowns.


Conclusion

While dental crowns cannot be whitened in the traditional sense, maintaining their shine and appearance is still very possible with proper care. By practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding staining foods and beverages, and quitting tobacco, you can keep your crowns looking bright for years to come. Additionally, regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings will help preserve their condition. If your crowns show signs of damage or severe staining, consult with your dentist about potential replacement options to restore your smile.

At Glendale Heights Family Dental, we are committed to helping our patients maintain their oral health and keep their crowns looking great. If you have any questions about caring for your dental crowns or would like to schedule a consultation, feel free to contact us. We're here to help!

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Glendale Heights Family Dentistry offers comprehensive dental services for all ages. Trust us as your go-to family dentist in Glendale Heights.


1177 Bloomingdale Rd Suite B,

Glendale Heights, IL 60139

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Glendale Heights Family Dentistry offers comprehensive dental services for all ages. Trust us as your go-to family dentist in Glendale Heights.


1177 Bloomingdale Rd Suite B,

Glendale Heights, IL 60139

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