Can You Whiten Crowns?

Dental crowns are a type of tooth restoration needed to help a damaged tooth regain its full function and look.

Dentists may recommend a dental crown in cases such as severe cracks, tooth fractures, or even a large infection.

Crowns are custom-made and specifically designed to look like one of your natural teeth. This means that even the tooth color will be chosen based on your other teeth.

But if you want to whiten your smile later on with Oak Park teeth whitening services, will you be able to whiten the crown too?

Keep reading to find out the answer!

Dental Crowns Don’t Respond to Whitening Solutions

Dental crowns can be made from a lot of different materials, such as metals, porcelain, or even zirconia. But one criterion they all have in common is that they do not respond to whitening solutions.

Tooth whitening involves exposing the tooth to a bleaching agent (usually peroxide), which breaks down the staining particles found on the surface of the teeth. This is how, following a professional whitening treatment, your teeth will appear even a few shades lighter.

This bleaching agent will not affect the look of your dental crown. As a result, if you do opt for tooth whitening, you may get uneven results.

How to Get a Whiter Smile Even If You Have Dental Crowns

It’s important to work with a dentist who will help you reach your goals both in terms of health and the look of your smile. For instance, Dr. Brandon Murphy strives to offer patients the type of services that offer them the smiles they truly deserve, and that includes making sure you are happy with how your teeth look.

Usually, if you want a brighter smile, your dentist will recommend going through the whitening treatment first, and then simply having the dental crown made after you get your desired shade.

But let’s assume that, for whatever reason, that didn’t happen. You may still be able to change your smile’s look in one of two ways:

  • Professional cleaning - Using special tools and products, the dentist might be able to remove some stubborn stains from your teeth and dental crown. Many patients experience whiter teeth after a thorough clean alone;
  • Changing your crown - If professional cleaning isn’t enough, you can simply change your crown. You will first go through the dental whitening treatment, and once you reach the final shade, the new dental crown is made to match.

How to Know Which Solution Is for You

The best way to know how you get a picture-perfect white smile, even with dental crowns, is to see Dr. Brandon Murphy for a short consultation.

Schedule a visit online and unlock the path to your dream smile!

Want to learn more about our services? Then feel free to call us at (708) 524-0330 for a short chat.