What are teeth whitening options if you have a crown?

Most teeth whiteners fit into one of these options:

• Polishes and pastes: These kinds of toothpaste and whitening products don’t change your enamel colour but scrub away minor stains, revealing a whiter smile./li>
• Over-the-counter whitening products: These over-the-counter products contain whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide and come in whitening toothpaste, gels, trays, pens or strips. They bleach the enamel’s surface and may whiten teeth by a few shades over time.
• Professional whitening treatments: For dramatic whitening results, talk to your dentist about in-office and take-home professional whitening treatments. These professional options include more potent bleaching products. Plus, your dentist monitors the colour of your teeth during treatment, while you strive to achieve your desired shade. Your dentist can formulate your plan based on your specific needs, making this the safest way to whiten.

Most crowns are made from porcelain, resin or ceramics. According to the Australian Dental Association, whitening treatments do not work on these types of materials. Your crowns will remain the colour they were when your dentist placed them. If you notice that your natural teeth are yellowing or developing stains, your goal will most likely be to whiten those teeth, so they more closely match your whiter crown.

When a dentist puts in a crown, they are careful to make sure it matches your natural tooth colour. Life happens, though, and over time, your natural teeth may begin to yellow or stain. And here lies the issue – as your crown does not stain over time. Consequently, it could look whiter than the surrounding teeth.

So if you have one or more crowns and want to whiten your teeth, talk to your dentist. Together, you can discuss the best treatment option to give you an even, whiter smile.