Whitening Teeth with Crowns? What You Need to Know
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. A whiter smile can enhance your appearance and boost your self confidence. But when it comes to whitening teeth with crowns, there are important considerations to take into account. Crown, especially those on your front teeth, can complicate the teeth whitening process. This comprehensive guide will explore the essentials of whitening teeth that have crown, helping you to understand the best course of action for a whiter, more youthful smile.
What Are Dental Crown?
A dental crown is custom-fitted coverings or "caps" placed over a tooth or dental implant. They are typically used when a tooth has sustained significant damage or decay and cannot be repaired with a simple filling. Type of crowns:
- Porcelain crown is made entirely out of a porcelain material. They are designed to restore damaged teeth and are favoured for their natural colour and texture, which closely resembles that of actual tooth enamel.
- Ceramic crown is made entirely out of a glass-like substance, which can be either a porcelain-based material or some form of advanced dental ceramic. Commonly used to repair and enhance the appearance and function of teeth that have been damaged or decayed
The Teeth Whitening Process
The procedures often involve whitening agents. These chemicals break down stain molecules on the teeth, resulting in a lighter and whiten colour.
Hydrogen Peroxide: This is a strong bleaching agent that acts quickly. It's often used in in-office procedures due to its immediate results. Concentrations can vary, around 3% - 10% for over-the-counter kits and up to 40% for professional treatments).
Carbamide Peroxide: The concentrations used can range from 10% to 44%, depending on the product or professional treatment plan. It breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea, with the former being the active ingredient.
Can You Whiten Teeth with Crowns?
Traditional treatments are not effective on dental crowns. They are typically made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, or a composite resin that are all colour-stable and do not respond to bleaching agents the way natural tooth enamel does.
For individuals with crowns looking to brighten their smile, It is recommended to focus on maintaining the current shade of the crowns through proper oral hygiene, regular cleanings, and possibly using toothpaste designed to remove surface stains from teeth. This can help to keep the surrounding teeth as close in colour to the crowns as possible, avoiding stark contrasts after treatments.
Strategies for Whitening Teeth with Crowns
1. Whitening Before Crown Placement
If you're considering getting a crown, the best course of action is to have your teeth whitened with effective fast acting teeth whitening products to your desired shade before the crown is made. The dentist will then match the new crown to the beautiful smile you've achieved.
2. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular brushing and professional dental cleanings can help remove surface stains and keep crowns looking brighter.
3. Whitening Adjacent Teeth
If the crowns are still in good colour but the natural teeth have discoloured, you might consider whitening the natural teeth using whitening products such as Bliss Oral Care Whitening Kit to match the crowns.
4. Polishing Dental Crowns
Sometimes, a dentist can professionally polish crowns to remove surface stains, helping them regain their original colour.
5. Replacing Crowns
If the crowns have become significantly discoloured or if you want a brighter shade, replacing them might be the best option. This is especially relevant for older porcelain crowns.
6. Avoiding Stain-Causing Habits
Minimising consumption of stain-causing foods and drinks, and avoiding smoking can help prevent further discoloration of both natural teeth and crowns.
Choosing the Right Teeth Whitening Products
When it comes to enhancing your smile with a new dental crown, achieving a harmonious, bright appearance is key. The crown, a custom-made cap for a damaged or decayed tooth, often stands out as a beacon of renewal in your mouth. However, to ensure it blends seamlessly with your natural teeth, it's crucial to consider the colour match. This is where the choice of the right whitening products comes into play
Whitening Primer Toothpaste: Specifically designed to clean and prepare your teeth without the use of fluoride, which may hinder the procedure, Bliss Oral Care Whitening Primer is the ideal initial step to ready your teeth for a more successful whitening treatment.
Sonic Whitening Toothbrush: Merging sophisticated sonic technology, like that found in the Bliss Oral Care Sonic Whitening Toothbrush, with our specialised primer toothpaste, this toothbrush serves as an ideal preparation instrument for subsequent steps in your oral care routine.
Dissolving Whitening Strips: Ideal for a busy lifestyle, products like the Bliss Oral Care Whitening Strips are designed for convenience, dissolving in just 15 minutes. They are an excellent daily solution to keep your teeth brilliantly white.
Leave-in Whitening Strips: It guarantees a noticeably whiter smile in less than 5 days. Simply apply, let it sit, and admire the outcome, much like the Bliss Oral Care Leave-in Whitening Strips.
Choosing the right whitening products is crucial to ensure that your new dental crown blends flawlessly with your natural teeth. The Bliss Oral Care Whitening Kit is designed to help you achieve this seamless integration. With its effective and easy-to-use products, you can confidently maintain the uniformity and brightness of your smile, making sure your new crown and surrounding teeth match perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all types of dental crowns be whitened?
No, a porcelain crown made of porcelain, ceramic, or metal cannot be whitened. Only the natural teeth around the crown can be treated and make it as white as your new dental crown
Will whitening treatments damage my crown?
The treatments should not damage your crown if performed correctly. However, always consult with a dentist before starting any treatment.