Can dental crowns be whitened?

Crowns are custom-made caps that cover damaged teeth, restoring both function and appearance. Crowns are shaped to match the patient’s tooth shape, color, and size.

Crowns can be made from many materials including composite resin, porcelain, steel, or gold.  However, once a crown is placed, its color remains the same and cannot be changed with whitening treatments.

Whitening Your Natural Teeth

However, while crowns themselves cannot be whitened, you can still receive teeth whitening treatments with crowns. To whiten the surrounding natural teeth, you can try:

• Whitening polishes and toothpaste.

• Over-the-counter whitening agents.

• Professional whitening treatments. 

Color Matching With Crowns

It is important to have accurate color matching done before the crown is placed to ensure it will match the whiteness of the surrounding teeth. You can also whiten your teeth before the crown is placed so the crown color matches the desired whiteness. It is also possible to replace your crown with a whiter option later.

Keeping Crowns White

To keep dental crowns white, maintain regular oral health habits like brushing and flossing. Avoid foods that may stain the teeth such as coffee, dark soda, and red wine, and attend regular professional dental cleanings. 

At Hale Family Dentistry, we offer expert crown placement and professional teeth whitening to help you achieve a bright, confident smile. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!