Teeth whitening has become increasingly popular in recent years, as people strive for a brighter, more confident smile. However, when it comes to teeth with crowns, the question arises - do teeth whiteners work on crowns? In this article, we will explore this topic in-depth and provide valuable insights for individuals seeking teeth whitening solutions for their crowned teeth.
1. Understanding Crowns and Their Composition
Crowns, also known as dental caps, are tooth-shaped restorations that are placed over damaged or decayed teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance. They are typically made from various materials, including porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-ceramic, zirconia, or metal alloys.
It's important to note that the composition of the crown plays a significant role in determining its response to teeth whitening treatments. Certain materials, such as porcelain and zirconia, are resistant to staining and may not respond to conventional teeth whiteners.
However, advancements in dental technology have led to the development of teeth whitening solutions that can effectively brighten the surrounding natural teeth while minimizing the visual difference between crowns and natural teeth.
2. Professional Teeth Whitening for Crowned Teeth
Professional teeth whitening procedures performed by a dentist can help address the challenge of whitening crowned teeth. Dentists have access to stronger whitening agents and specialized techniques that can produce noticeable results.
One popular method is in-office teeth whitening, where the dentist applies a strong bleaching agent to the teeth and uses specialized tools to accelerate the whitening process. This method can be particularly effective for individuals with crowned teeth.
However, it's important to consult with a dentist who can assess the type of crown and determine the appropriate whitening method, as certain materials may not respond well to professional whitening.
3. Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products for Crowns
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are widely available and offer a convenient and cost-effective solution for teeth whitening. However, not all of these products are suitable for use on crowns.
While whitening toothpaste, mouthwashes, and strips may be effective in whitening natural teeth, they may not produce significant results on dental crowns. This is because these products primarily target surface stains, which may not be present on crown materials.
It's important to carefully read the labels of over-the-counter whitening products to determine if they are safe for use on crowns. Additionally, consulting with a dentist can provide valuable guidance on selecting the most effective product for whitening crowned teeth.
4. Teeth Whitening Strips and their Effectiveness on Crowns
Teeth whitening strips have gained popularity as an affordable and easy-to-use teeth whitening solution. These thin, flexible strips are coated with a whitening agent and are applied directly to the teeth.
While teeth whitening strips can effectively whiten natural teeth, their effectiveness on crowns may vary. Porcelain and ceramic crowns, for instance, may not respond as well to the whitening agents present in the strips.
Before using teeth whitening strips on crowned teeth, it's advisable to consult with a dentist to determine the type of crown and assess the potential outcome.
