Lots of people want a brighter smile. But if you have a dental crown, you might be wondering about whitening it. Can you make a crown whiter? The simple answer is no. A dental crown will not respond to teeth whitening treatments. This is a very common question for us. We are here to give you the clear facts. It is all about what your crown is made from.
What Is a Dental Crown Made From?
A dental crown is like a strong, custom made cap. It fits right over a damaged tooth. The crown brings back the tooth’s shape and strength. We make crowns from tough materials like porcelain or zirconia.
These materials are chosen because they last a long time. Their colour is also set permanently when they are made. Your natural tooth enamel is a little bit porous. This means whitening gel can soak in and lighten stains from the inside. A dental crown has a hard, sealed surface.
The whitening gel cannot get through it. So the colour of the crown will not change. Learn more about modern digital crowns and bridges and how they ensure a perfect fit.
The Problem with Whitening Around a Crown
This can lead to a common issue. Let us say your crown matches your tooth colour perfectly when you get it. Your smile looks great. Then later, you decide to whiten your natural teeth. The whitening treatment works well on your own teeth. They become brighter.
But your dental crown stays exactly the same shade as before. Now, the crown might look too dark or yellow next to your whiter teeth. It will stand out instead of blending in.This is a very important thing to think about before you start any whitening.
The Perfect Plan: Whiten First, Crown Later
So, what is the smartest way to handle this? If you are in the position of needing a new crown and you also want a whiter smile, the order you do things is everything. The golden rule is always to whiten your teeth first.
Step by Step Plan
- First, you should have a conversation with your dentist. Talk about your goals for a whiter smile. They can perform a professional whitening treatment for you. This is often the most effective and fastest way to get results. Alternatively, they might provide you with take home kits that are stronger than what you can buy over the counter.
- Once you have finished the active whitening, you need to be patient. It is important to wait for about two to three weeks. Your teeth need this time to let the colour stabilise. Right after whitening, your teeth are a little dehydrated and the colour can rebound slightly. Waiting ensures they settle into their true, long term shade.
- After this waiting period, you go back to your dentist. Now, they will take the shade for your new crown. They will use a little guide with different tooth colours to find the perfect match for your newly whitened teeth. This information is sent to the dental laboratory.
What If You Already Have a Dark Crown?
Maybe you already have a crown that now looks too dark. What can you do? Unfortunately, you cannot whiten the crown itself. The only way to fix it is to replace the crown. Your dentist will carefully take the old crown off.
Then they will prepare your tooth for a new one. The new crown will be made to match your current tooth colour. Replacing the crown is a sure way to get your smile looking uniform again.
