Can You Whiten Crowns and Veneers?

 

Introduction

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can significantly improve the appearance of your smile. It involves the use of safe dental bleaching agents that work to lighten the colour of your teeth, removing stains and discolouration caused by various factors such as food, drink, smoking, and ageing.

In this blog post, we will delve into the world of dental aesthetics, focusing on dental crowns and veneers. We will share whether or not it is possible to whiten dental restorations like crowns and veneers, as well as alternative methods to achieve a brighter smile if traditional whitening is not an option. You can consult with Roshni Ruparelia, a dentist at Mindful Dentists, for personalized recommendations and treatment options tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Can You Whiten Crowns and Veneers?

Dental crowns and veneers are typically made from porcelain or composite resin, materials that are chosen for their durability and resemblance to natural teeth. However, these materials react differently to whitening procedures compared to natural teeth.

Whitening Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are made to match the colour of your surrounding teeth at the time of placement. The material used in crowns, usually porcelain or a mix of porcelain and metal, is resistant to the effects of bleaching agents used in teeth whitening procedures. This means that while your natural teeth may become whiter with a whitening treatment, the colour of the crown will remain the same. As a result, if you whiten your teeth, your crown may stand out as a darker colour in comparison.

Whitening Dental Veneers

Similar to crowns, dental veneers are also resistant to whitening. Veneers are thin shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth, and they are typically made from porcelain or composite resin. These materials do not respond to bleaching agents, so if you attempt to whiten your veneers, you may end up with uneven results.

So, the answer to the question, “Can you whiten crowns and veneers?” is, unfortunately, no. Whitening procedures cannot change the color of crowns or veneers. However, this doesn’t mean you’re out of options if you’re unhappy with the color of your crowns or veneers.

Alternatives and Solutions

If you’re unhappy with the color of your crowns or veneers, there are a few options you can consider:

Replacement

The most straightforward solution is to replace the crown or veneer with a new one that matches your desired tooth color. This process involves removing the existing crown or veneer and taking a new impression of your tooth, which will be used to create a new crown or veneer in a dental lab. Once it’s ready, the new crown or veneer will be cemented onto your tooth.

Whitening Before Placement

If you’re considering getting crowns or veneers and want a whiter smile, it’s best to undergo a teeth whitening procedure before your crowns or veneers are placed. This way, your dentist can match the color of your crowns or veneers to your newly whitened teeth.

Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene

While crowns and veneers can’t be whitened, they can become discolored over time due to factors like diet and tobacco use. Maintaining good oral hygiene can help prevent this discoloration. Regular brushing and flossing, along with regular dental check-ups, can keep your crowns and veneers looking their best.

At Mindful Dentists, they offer a range of services, including dental implants in South London, to help you achieve the smile you desire. Whether you’re looking to replace an old crown or veneer, or considering getting one for the first time, their team of experienced dentists can guide you through the process and help you make the best decision for your dental health.

Conclusion

While teeth whitening is a popular and effective way to brighten your smile, it’s important to understand that this procedure does not work on dental crowns and veneers. These dental restorations are made from materials that do not respond to the bleaching agents used in teeth whitening procedures. However, there are alternatives available if you’re unhappy with the color of your crowns or veneers, such as replacement or whitening your teeth before the placement of these restorations.

If you’re considering improving your smile with dental crowns, veneers, or teeth whitening, or if you have any other dental concerns, we invite you to visit Mindful Dentists. Their team of experienced dentists, including Roshni Ruparelia, are here to help you achieve the smile you desire.