A bright, white smile is often a goal for many people, but what happens when your dental crowns just won’t cooperate with your whitening treatments? If you’re in Henderson and enjoy outdoor activities like Lake Mead, you know the importance of a perfect smile. Attending local festivals is also something you enjoy.
Whether you’re soaking up the warm weather or enjoying a night out in the vibrant city, your smile matters. However, when it comes to tooth crowns, whitening is not as straightforward as it is with natural teeth. In this blog, we’ll dive into why tooth coverings don’t whiten the same way natural teeth do. Learn what you can do to keep your smile looking bright and fresh.
Why Dental Crowns Don’t Whiten?
Tooth coverings are designed to restore a tooth’s shape, size, and strength and are made from durable materials such as porcelain. These materials are stain-resistant but don’t react to whitening products in the same way as natural tooth enamel.
Porcelain and Ceramic Resistance
The most common crown materials do not have the pores needed to absorb whitening agents. While your natural teeth can soak in whitening products and lighten over time, crowns simply won’t respond to these treatments.
Permanent Color
The color of your crown is set at the time of placement and remains fixed. Whether your crown is made of porcelain or another material, it retains its shade and does not lighten with traditional whitening methods.
Wear and Tear
Over time, they can develop a dull or yellowish appearance due to external factors like staining foods and beverages, but this is not the same as the natural yellowing of enamel. While teeth can become discolored and be whitened, this treatment requires more specialized care.
What You Can Do Instead: Options for a Brighter Smile
Even though dental crowns don’t respond to whitening treatments, there are other ways to ensure your smile remains radiant.
Regular Professional Cleanings
One of the best ways to maintain brightness is to have regular cleanings. Professional dental cleanings can help remove surface stains that may dull them, keeping them looking their best. It’s also a good idea to check in with your dentist to ensure that your tooth coverings are in optimal condition.
Consider Replacement if Necessary
If you find that your crowns no longer match the color of your natural teeth after whitening treatments, you may want to consider having them replaced. Replacing them every 10-15 years is standard practice, but if the mismatch is noticeable and bothersome, a new set of tooth coverings may be your best solution.
At-Home Care
While whitening treatments won’t work on them, you can still keep your natural teeth as white as possible. Brush regularly with a whitening toothpaste that’s safe for both crowns and natural teeth, and avoid dark beverages like coffee, red wine, and tea, which can stain both the coverings and enamel.
What Should I Do If My Crowns Appear Dull?
- Dental Polish: A professional polish by your dentist can help restore some of the lost luster to the coverings. This process can remove surface buildup that makes the crown look dingy.
- Whitening the Natural Teeth: If your tooth coverings still look fine but your natural teeth are getting too white in comparison, you can whiten your natural teeth to a point where both match. This will keep your smile looking even.
Can I Get New Crowns if They Don’t Match Anymore?
Yes, replacing them to match your newly whitened teeth is always an option. Your dentist can customize the shade to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, ensuring a consistent look.
- Limit Staining Foods: Avoid dark beverages and foods that are known to stain teeth and crowns, like berries, coffee, or cola.
- Brush and Floss: Keep up with a good oral hygiene routine to prevent plaque buildup that can cause discoloration.
- Use a Straw: When drinking beverages that might stain, use a straw to reduce direct contact with your teeth and crowns.
Restore Your Smile with Our Professional Treatments
If you’re concerned about your tooth coverings not matching the brightness of your natural teeth or if you’re ready to replace them for a fresh start, contact Green Valley Smile Care. Our team is here to offer personalized solutions that suit your smile and aesthetic preferences.
Looking for a smile refresh? Come visit us in Henderson,NV, where we can assess your dental crowns and discuss options for a more consistent and vibrant look.
FAQs
Can whitening toothpaste help my crowns stay white?
Whitening toothpaste may help remove surface stains on your natural teeth, but it won’t lighten them. It’s still beneficial for keeping both your tooth coverings and natural teeth clean.
What causes dental crowns to turn yellow?
Over time, those tooth coverings can absorb stains from food, drinks, and smoking. While whitening doesn’t work, professional cleanings can help maintain their shine.
How long do crowns last before needing replacement?
Typically, they last 10 to 15 years. If these coverings no longer match the color of your teeth or show significant wear, replacement may be necessary.
Can I whiten my crowns at home?
No, traditional at-home whitening products won’t work on dental coverings. However, you can maintain their appearance with good oral hygiene and professional cleanings.
