You cannot effectively use whitening strips on dental crowns because these products are designed to whiten only natural teeth.

Crowns are made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal, which do not respond to whitening agents like carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide the way natural teeth do.

Whitening strips work to lighten the color of natural enamel, but they cannot change the color of crown materials. As a result, while your natural teeth may become noticeably whiter, your crowns will stay the same shade, which can make your smile look uneven.

If you want a uniform appearance, consult your dentist about options to match the crowns to your whitened teeth. This may involve replacing the crowns with a lighter shade.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about maintaining the appearance of your crowns and achieving a consistent smile.

First, what are dental crowns?

According to the American Dental Association, dental crowns are custom-made prosthetic devices designed to encase or cover a tooth that has been damaged or weakened. They are designed to restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made from various materials, including:

1. Porcelain or Ceramic: These materials closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth and are often used for front teeth.

2. Metal (such as gold or platinum): Metal crowns are durable and can withstand significant pressure, making them suitable for back teeth.

3. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): These crowns combine the strength of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain, providing a good balance between durability and aesthetics.

4. Resin: Resin crowns are less expensive but may wear down more quickly than other materials.

Crowns are typically used in situations such as covering a tooth that has undergone a root canal, supporting a large filling, protecting a weak tooth, or covering a dental implant.

They fit over the existing tooth or implant, providing a natural and functional replacement.

How do dental crowns differ from natural teeth?

Dental crowns differ from natural teeth in several important ways.

While natural teeth consist of enamel, dentin, and pulp, crowns are made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal, or combinations of these. Unlike natural teeth, which have living nerves and blood vessels, crowns lack these internal structures, making them insensitive to temperature changes and pressure.

Additionally, natural teeth have porous enamel that can absorb stains over time, whereas crowns are made from non-porous materials that are less likely to stain but can still become discolored or dull.

In terms of durability, crowns are designed to handle chewing forces and resist wear, but they can chip or crack depending on the material. Aesthetically, crowns mimic natural teeth but may have slight differences in appearance.

Finally, natural teeth are anchored in the jawbone with their root structure, while crowns are cemented onto a prepared tooth or dental implant, lacking the root structure of natural teeth.

Therefore, when it comes to the efficacy of whitening strips on crowns, the differences in material and structure mean that whitening products do not affect crowns in the same way they do natural teeth.

Can whitening strips effectively whiten crowns?

Whitening strips are not effective at whitening dental crowns.

Crowns, whether made from porcelain, ceramic, or metal, do not respond to whitening strips in the same way natural teeth do.

Whitening strips are designed to lighten the color of natural tooth enamel through chemical reactions, but crown materials are not porous and cannot absorb the whitening agents.

As a result, the color of crowns will remain unchanged regardless of the use of whitening strips.

However, research suggests that using strong or excessive whitening products can damage the materials surrounding crowns, such as composite restorations or sealants. These treatments can weaken the stability and performance of dental materials over time.

Therefore, while whitening strips will not alter the color of crowns, excessive or improper use of bleaching products could have detrimental effects on the dental materials surrounding them. For any concerns about the appearance of crowns or their potential reactions to whitening treatments, consulting with a dentist is advisable.

Are there risks to using whitening strips on crowns?

Using whitening strips on crowns is generally safe, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

Ineffectiveness

Whitening strips do not work on crowns. These products are designed for natural teeth, and the materials used in crowns don’t respond to whitening agents.

Possible Discomfort

Whitening strips usually won’t harm crowns, but they can irritate your gums if applied incorrectly. This might cause some discomfort.

Misleading Results

If you use whitening strips, your natural teeth may become whiter while the crowns stay the same color. This could create a noticeable difference in your smile.

Potential for Damage

Though rare, using whitening strips too often or incorrectly might weaken the adhesive holding your crown in place or irritate your gums.

Overall, it's best to consult with your dentist for personalized advice on maintaining or improving the appearance of crowns and to explore appropriate cosmetic solutions if needed.

Do crowns whiten like natural teeth?

No, According to the American Dental Association (ADA), crowns do not whiten like natural teeth. Whitening products work by lightening natural enamel, but crown materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal don’t react the same way.

Whitening treatments, including whitening strips and professional bleaching, are designed to lighten the color of natural tooth enamel through chemical reactions, but these treatments do not affect the materials used in crowns.

If you whiten your natural teeth, the crowns won’t change color, which can make them stand out. 

To fix this, your dentist might suggest replacing the crowns or using other cosmetic treatments.

Can whitening strips whiten implants, veneers, or dentures?

No, whitening strips  are not effective for implants, veneers, or dentures.

• Implants are made of materials like titanium and ceramic, which don’t respond to whitening agents.
• Veneers are thin shells bonded to teeth, and their color is set when they are made.
• Dentures are often made from acrylic, which also doesn’t whiten with over-the-counter products.

So, if you are looking to improve the appearance of implants, veneers, or dentures, whitening strips will not be effective. It is best to consult with your dentist for appropriate solutions.

Do whitening products damage fillings or crowns?

Whitening products generally do not damage fillings or crowns directly, but there are some important considerations.

Most modern fillings, whether made of composite resin or amalgam, are not affected by whitening agents.

However, the surrounding natural tooth structure can be whitened, which might create a noticeable color difference between the natural tooth and the filling. This can make the filling stand out more if it does not match the newly whitened shade of the tooth.

Similarly, crowns made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal do not respond to whitening agents and are not damaged by them. The materials used for crowns are non-porous and do not absorb whitening agents, so they remain unaffected in terms of color.

However, extensive or improper use of whitening treatments could potentially irritate the gums or weaken the adhesive holding the crown in place, though this is rare.

For optimal results and to address any potential color discrepancies, it is best to consult with your dentist before starting any whitening treatment, especially if you have dental restorations.

Does tea stain your crowns?

 Yes, tea can stain your teeth the same way as dental crowns over time.

Although crowns are made from materials like porcelain or ceramic that are less porous than natural teeth, they can still become discolored from substances like tea, or coffee which contain tannins and pigments that can adhere to surfaces.

While crowns are generally more resistant to staining compared to natural teeth, they are not entirely immune.

To minimize staining, it's advisable to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid excessive consumption of staining beverages, and have regular professional cleanings.

Can you do oil pulling with crowns and fillings?

Yes, you can do oil pulling with crowns and fillings.

Oil pulling is a gentle oral hygiene practice that involves swishing oil around in your mouth to help remove bacteria and improve oral health. While some may worry about the impact on dental work like crowns and fillings, oil pulling is generally considered safe for individuals with these types of dental restorations.

However, it's important that you perform oil pulling gently to avoid putting excessive pressure on the dental work, which could potentially dislodge it. If you have any concerns or questions about oil pulling with crowns or fillings, it's always a good idea to consult with your dentist for personalized advice and guidance.

Additionally, oil pulling may offer benefits such as:

• reducing plaque buildup

• freshening breath

• and promoting gum health.

Choosing the right oil, such as extra virgin coconut oil, tea tree oil, olive oil or sesame oil, can further enhance your experience.

Can whitening toothpaste whiten crowns?

Whitening toothpaste is generally not effective at whitening crowns.

These toothpastes are designed to remove surface stains and brighten natural tooth enamel, but they do not alter the color of dental crowns, which are made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal.

Crowns are non-porous and do not absorb the whitening agents found in these toothpastes.

If crowns become discolored or if you want them to match the color of your newly whitened natural teeth, it's best to consult with your dentist.

They can offer solutions such as professional polishing or, if necessary, replacing the crowns to achieve a uniform appearance.

What are the alternatives to whitening options for crowns?

As whitening strips are ineffective for crowns, several alternatives can help improve their appearance.

Professional polishing by a dentist can remove surface stains and enhance the luster of the crowns, making them look brighter.

If crowns have become significantly discolored or do not match the surrounding whiten teeth, replacing them with new crowns that are color-matched to your whiten natural teeth is a viable option.

This approach ensures a consistent appearance. Another alternative is placing veneers over the existing crowns; veneers are thin shells that can cover discolored crowns and provide a more aesthetic look.

Dental bonding is also an option, where a tooth-colored resin is applied to the surface of the crowns to mask discoloration or imperfections.

Regular professional cleanings by a dentist or hygienist can help maintain the crowns' appearance by removing stains and plaque buildup.

Consulting with your dentist will help you determine the best solution based on the condition of your crowns and your aesthetic goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a way to whiten dental crowns?
Whitening dental crowns is generally not effective because the materials used, such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal, do not respond to whitening agents. These materials are non-porous and do not absorb whitening products, so their color remains unchanged. If your crowns have become discolored or do not match your natural teeth, the best options are to consult with your dentist about professional polishing, replacing the crowns to match the desired shade, or exploring other cosmetic solutions.

Do crowns whiten with whitening strips?
Crowns do not whiten with whitening strips. The materials used in crowns, such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal, are non-porous and do not absorb whitening agents. As a result, whitening strips, which are designed to lighten the color of natural tooth enamel, will not affect the color of crowns. If you need to address discoloration or achieve a uniform appearance between crowns and natural teeth, it’s best to consult your dentist for appropriate solutions.

Can teeth whitening kits be used on crowns?
Teeth whitening kits should not be used on crowns. The materials used in crowns, such as porcelain or ceramic, do not respond to the whitening agents in these kits, which are designed to lighten natural tooth enamel. Applying whitening products to crowns will not change their color and may lead to a mismatch between the crowns and the rest of your teeth if the natural teeth are whitened. For concerns about the appearance of crowns, consult with your dentist for alternatives such as professional polishing, replacement, or other cosmetic treatments.

Will teeth whitening remove stains on crowns?
Teeth whitening treatments will not effectively remove stains from crowns. The materials used in crowns, like porcelain or ceramic, are non-porous and do not respond to whitening agents designed for natural tooth enamel. While whitening treatments can lighten natural teeth, they won't alter the color of crowns. To address stains or discoloration on crowns, it's best to consult your dentist for professional cleaning, polishing, or possibly replacing the crowns to achieve a uniform appearance.

Why do crowns turn yellow?
Crowns can turn yellow due to a variety of factors. Over time, crowns may become discolored from exposure to staining substances like coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco. While crowns are less porous than natural teeth, they can still accumulate surface stains. Additionally, the adhesive used to bond the crown to the tooth can sometimes discolor, affecting the overall appearance. Wear and tear, along with age, can also contribute to changes in the color of crowns. Regular professional cleanings and proper oral hygiene can help minimize discoloration, but if significant yellowing occurs, consulting with your dentist for potential polishing or replacement may be necessary.