Why Can’t Dental Crowns be Whitened?
A dental crown can be made from gold, stainless steel, ceramic, porcelain, or resin-based materials. These materials are durable and work great for protecting teeth. The problem is that none work very well when it comes to whitening.
Dental crown materials, except for those made of gold or stainless steel, are designed to match your natural teeth as closely as possible. Teeth-whitening materials, however, have trouble bonding to crowns in the same way they do to real teeth. This often leaves the wearer with mismatched crowns and teeth.
Wear and tear can cause your teeth to become discolored over time. Certain foods and drinks and smoking can stain your teeth. Aging, prescription drugs, and some medical conditions can also cause teeth to appear discolored. While some stains can be removed, others cannot.
Unfortunately, stains on dental prosthetics are also permanent. Once placed in your mouth, dental crowns whitening is not possible.
Therefore, it’s best to have your teeth whitened before your procedure to ensure an ideal shade match. Your smile will only ever be as white as your dental crown. You can also get your Dental Crown in Arvada checked out.
Professional Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
If stains on the patient’s teeth are not removed before crown placement, then it’s likely that the crown prosthetic will be whiter than the neighboring teeth. As long as the other teeth are not stained as a result of age, genetics (meaning the condition is hereditary), or some sort of medical condition, it’s possible for them to be whitened to match a person’s crown.
There are a ton of options for teeth whitening including DIY, at-home treatments, and professional treatment options performed by your dentist. You should note, however, that neither treatment option can be used to whiten crowns or any other dental work.
At-Home Whitening Treatments
If you’re looking for a relatively inexpensive do-it-yourself treatment option, then you can purchase an at-home teeth whitening kit from your local drug store. You can expect to pay anywhere between $20 to $100 for whitening products, including toothpaste, strips, or gels to treat more difficult stains.
Be warned, however, that results may vary depending on the product. Many options available on the market can be messy or difficult to use, and the results usually fade after a few days or weeks.
You should also be aware that some people may have an adverse reaction to some of the chemicals used in these products, including gum irritation, tooth sensitivity, and other conditions that may develop with prolonged use.
These products should only be used on people with healthy teeth. So, if you have braces, multiple cavities, worn enamel, or exposed tooth roots, over-the-counter teeth whitening products are not for you.
While they may be inexpensive and convenient, you should avoid using teeth whitening kits too frequently or at the wrong time. Overuse can create bigger issues for your teeth later on, and the results are not guaranteed.
Professional Whitening Treatments
When you visit your dentist’s office for a professional teeth whitening, you can expect to see results in a shorter period. However, these treatments are more expensive than at-home kits, costing approximately $650 per visit.
Your dentist will whiten your teeth using a hydrogen peroxide-based gel to remove more severe stains. The bleaching agents used in this product are much stronger than what you’ll find in drugstore teeth whitening kits.
The other benefit of professional treatments is that you don’t have to worry about damaging your teeth. Your dentist will also be able to treat any existing issues with gingivitis, tooth decay, or any damage to the pulp of the teeth.
What About Laser Treatments for Dental Crowns Whitening?
Laser treatments for teeth whitening, known as power whitening, are a quick and efficient solution for getting teeth pearly white. The procedure takes about an hour to complete and is the most effective solution for whitening teeth.
During the procedure, your dentist will place a dental guard over the gums and apply a bleaching agent onto your teeth. From there, a laser is used to scan your teeth, which triggers a chemical reaction and speeds up the teeth whitening process.
The results should last for years, as long as the teeth are well-maintained and the person avoids excessive smoking. You should also refrain from consuming liquids that can stain the teeth, like coffee, wine, soda, or juice.
Replacing Old Crowns After Whitening
As we mentioned earlier, it’s best to get your natural teeth whitened before getting a new crown installed. However, in some cases, this may not always be possible.
For example, root canals are usually performed in an emergency, so there may not be time to have your teeth whitened beforehand.
If this is the case, your dentist can replace a crown with one that matches the rest of the teeth. This is ideal if you’re already due for a crown replacement. Otherwise, you should consider if it’s worth the expense and discomfort to replace your dental crowns purely for aesthetic reasons. Contact us today and we can handle your dental needs. Book now!
