We all want white, bright, beautiful teeth. And while there are multiple teeth whitening solutions available for your natural teeth, things are a bit different when it comes to dental crowns.
Since we want you to be happy with your smile, we wrote this guide so that you are aware of the reality of teeth whitening when you have a dental crown, and what your options are.
Keep reading!
What are dental crowns?
A dental crown, which is essentially a tooth-shaped cap, is created from materials like porcelain, composite resin, ceramic, zirconia, or metal. It’s used to restore weakened, fractured, or decayed teeth and can be used for both functional and aesthetic purposes. Dental crowns might be used for:
- Strengthening a weak tooth
- Repairing a broken or worn-down tooth
- Protecting a cracked tooth
- Holding a dental bridge in place
- Covering a dental implant or a tooth treated with root canal therapy
- Covering tooth discoloration.
What kind of teeth whiteners are out there?
There are multiple ways to get your natural teeth whitened. For example, there are over-the-counter products including whitening toothpastes, mouthwashes, and strips. Professional treatments include either in-office or at-home whitening trays.
Can dental crowns be whitened?
Materials used for crowns, like porcelain or composite, are often tooth-colored. However, whitening treatments don’t work on these materials. So, they will remain the same color they were when first placed by your dentist. If you want your crown to be whiter than it is, you will need to get it replaced with a whiter color.
Do dental crowns stain?
While dental crowns are resistant to staining compared to natural teeth, they can still become discolored over time. Staining may occur due to factors like smoking, wine, coffee, and soda.
To keep your dental crowns as white as possible, make sure to maintain adequate oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Avoid foods and drinks that cause staining. However, if discoloration persists, can replacing the crown for aesthetic reasons.
How can you pick the right color for your dental crown?
Because dental crowns can’t be whitened, it’s important that you carefully consider the color you want beforehand. If you like the color of your current teeth, your dentist can match the crown’s color to your natural teeth, ensuring it blends seamlessly with your smile.
If you want whiter teeth, you can whiten your teeth before getting your crown so that your dentist can then match the crown to your new color. If you have a good cosmetic dentist, they can help you choose the right color that you will be happy with.
Visit Dr. Ruiz & Associates, Inc for Dental Crowns in Burbank, CA
Wondering what your options are when it comes to whitening your teeth?
Visit our office to consult with a dentist in Burbank! Dr. Ruiz is a renowned dentist, educator, and researcher who is known as a pioneer in supra-gingival minimally invasive dentistry, or “above the gums dentistry.” This is a healthier form of dentistry that protects soft oral tissues and produces long-lasting, beautiful results. And all of our staff are trained in these techniques.
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