Dental crowns are custom-made caps designed to cover damaged or weakened teeth. They’re crafted from materials like zirconia, ceramic, or porcelain. While durable, crowns can lose some of their original brightness over time due to surface wear or buildup.
So, can you whiten dental crowns? Dr. Bernstein from Gentle Dental in Newark, NJ, explains, “You cannot whiten dental crowns. They are made from materials that retain their original color, so you can’t bleach them.”
For expert advice or help with crown care, contact Gentle Dental today.
Why Is Crown Whitening Not Possible?
Whitening crowns isn’t possible because they are made from non-porous materials like porcelain or resin. Unlike natural teeth, crowns don’t react to whitening treatments.
Natural teeth have tiny pores that absorb stains and are lightened by whitening agents. Crowns do not share the same structure as original teeth. Besides, crowns do not have enamel either.
If crowns become discolored over time, replacing the crown is the most effective way to restore your smile’s brightness.
Why Do Dental Crowns Lose Color?
Dental crowns are made to mimic the look and function of natural teeth. They come in different shades to match your smile. Once placed, they are permanent and don’t need to be removed when eating or drinking.
Over time, everyday habits like drinking coffee, tea, or red wine can cause surface buildup that dulls the shine of crowns. But with proper oral care, you can maintain their brightness for longer.
How to Preserve the Whiteness of Dental Crowns?
Since crowns can’t be whitened, it is best to focus on keeping them bright. Here are some tips to help you maintain your crown’s whiteness:
- Smoking can stain both teeth and crowns. Quitting or cutting back can help prevent discoloration.
- Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any food particles and avoid buildup.
- Try to limit drinks like coffee, wine, and dark sodas to keep your crown looking bright.
- Gently floss around your crown and use mouthwash to keep bacteria at bay.
- Use a non-abrasive toothpaste recommended by your dentist to help remove surface stains and maintain the crown’s shine.
What to Do When the Crown Gets Discolored?
Despite all precautions, crowns can accumulate surface buildup that dulls their appearance over time. When this occurs, it’s important to visit a dentist for professional cleaning. At Gentle Dental, our expert team offers thorough cleanings that can remove surface stains regular brushing may not address.
If discoloration persists, our experienced dentists may recommend polishing the crown to enhance its appearance. However, this may not fully restore the crown’s original color. If the crown becomes severely discolored or yellowed, we offer crown replacement services.
Keep Your Crowns Looking Their Best with Gentle Dental!
Your dental crowns deserve top-quality care to stay in great shape for years to come. If you are in Newark, New Jersey, look no further than Gentle Dental! Whether it is a routine cleaning to banish stains or expert advice on maintaining your crown’s sparkle, we have got you covered.
And if your crown becomes chipped, discolored, or damaged, our certified dentists can provide quick, reliable solutions. For expert dental crown care, contact us today at 973-817-8888 or visit our clinic in Newark, NJ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will baking soda whiten crowns?
Using baking soda cannot whiten crowns whether it’s made of porcelain, resin, or other materials. Crowns are not as responsive to whitening agents as natural teeth. For better results, consult a dentist for professional cleaning options.
Q: Do I need to replace a discolored crown?
It depends on factors like the crown’s condition and wear. A certified dentist can assess your crown and help you decide if a replacement is necessary.
Q: What can I do if my crown feels loose or uncomfortable?
If your crown feels loose or uncomfortable, contact your dentist right away. Avoid chewing on that side, and do not use any adhesives. Your dentist will check the crown and fix it as needed.
Disclaimer
Medically reviewed by Dr. Eugene Bernstein, DDS. This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
Why Do Dental Crowns Stain in the First Place?
Dental crowns can become stained or discolored over time for several reasons:
Surface staining from food and drink. Coffee, tea, red wine, dark berries, and tomato-based sauces contain pigments that bond to tooth surfaces, including porcelain crowns. Over years of exposure, surface stains accumulate.
Smoking and tobacco use. Tar and nicotine cause stubborn yellow-brown discoloration that can become embedded in microscopic surface roughness on the porcelain.
Age and wear. Over many years, porcelain crowns can develop fine surface roughness from chewing and brushing. Rough surfaces hold stains more easily, which is why older crowns often look duller.
Material aging. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns have a metal base that can show through at the gumline over time, a dark “halo” effect that reads as discoloration.
Professional Alternatives for Brightening Discolored Crowns
If bleaching is not an option for your crowns, several professional approaches can help:
Selective Polishing and Professional Cleaning, Surface stains from coffee, tea, and tobacco can often be removed with ultrasonic cleaning and prophy paste polishing during a regular cleaning visit. This returns crowns closer to their original brightness without any invasive treatment.
Crown Replacement, For crowns that are damaged, structurally compromised, or significantly discolored beyond what polishing can address, a new crown matches the shade of your surrounding teeth. Modern porcelain materials resist staining better than older crowns. A new crown typically requires two visits over 2 to 3 weeks.
Is It Safe to Try DIY Whitening on Dental Crowns?
What is safe: Mild, occasional use of baking soda paste can help remove surface stains by physically scrubbing them off. Most whitening toothpastes are also safe for crowns, they work through mild abrasion rather than bleaching.
What to avoid: Hydrogen peroxide whitening strips and gels do nothing to crown material but can weaken bonding margins over time. Charcoal toothpaste is highly abrasive and can scratch porcelain surfaces, creating roughness that holds MORE stains. Acidic rinses like lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can erode bonding agents around crowns.
When to see your dentist: If your crowns look duller than they used to, a 15-minute evaluation at Gentle Dental of NJ can determine whether the issue is surface staining (polishable), material aging, or something else. Often the right answer is faster and less expensive than patients expect. Call (973) 817-8888 to schedule.