Can You Whiten Crowns?

Ever looked in the mirror and noticed your teeth got yellow? We've all been through this at one point. I'll just make an appointment with Blue Water Dental Care for teeth whitening treatment in Reno, you may think to yourself. While we are certainly happy to see you, you may want to hold on a second if you also have a crown. That's because crowns can't be whitened and bleaching your teeth, either at home or at the dentist, will lead to some uneven and unnatural-looking results. 

So, why can't crowns be whitened and what can you do about it? 

Keep reading to learn more! 

Why Crowns Can't Be Whitened 

Teeth whitening treatments contain a bleaching agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, that can penetrate the tooth's enamel and break down stains. The bleaching agent gets sucked by the pores on your teeth and then penetrates the stain and dark-colored molecules from inside the tooth's structure. 

The problem with dental crowns is that they are made from porcelain or composite resin, materials that aren't porous. As a result, these materials can't absorb the bleaching agent or get affected by it. 

If you whiten your teeth and you also have a crown, your natural teeth will change their color while the crown will remain the same. Now, if the crown is at the back of your mouth and barely visible, this might not bother you much. But if the crown covers one of your front teeth, then the striking color difference will draw attention. 

Are There Any Solutions? 

It's important to be strategic about teeth whitening and dental crowns. If you know you need a crown, it may be a good idea to whiten your teeth first and then get the crown in the new shade of your teeth. 

It's also vital to see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings as professional cleanings can help remove some superficial stains and keep your smile bright for longer. 

If your teeth are getting yellow and your crown lost some of its brightness and appears discolored, it may mean it's approaching the end of its lifespan. Now would be a good moment to remove the old crown, whiten your teeth, then get a new crown that matches your new smile. 

Restore Your Smile At Blue Water Dental Care

You may not be too excited about the prospect of having to change your old crown and undergo numerous treatments to brighten your smile. And, understandably so. Getting a custom-made new crown can take several weeks. 

But, here's the good news. At Blue Water Dental Care, we offer same-day crowns as well as teeth whitening treatment. So you can get your new crown and revamp your smile in no time. 

Go to our contact page, send us an online request, and book your appointment with Dr. David Kelly or Dr. Kristin Kelly.