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How to Whiten Crowns DIY: A Comprehensive Guide

Dental crowns are an excellent solution for restoring damaged teeth, but over time, they may lose their brightness. Teeth whitening procedures are generally safe, but crowns require special consideration. Dental crowns are used to restore damaged or decayed teeth and have specific whitening challenges. While traditional whitening methods don’t work on crowns the same way they do on natural teeth, there are several approaches to maintain and enhance their appearance. This guide explores effective methods for cleaning and brightening dental crowns at home.

Introduction to Whitening Dental Crowns

Whitening dental crowns can be a challenging task, as they are made of durable materials that resist the effects of teeth whitening solutions. Unlike natural teeth, the color of a crown is determined during the manufacturing process and cannot be altered by traditional whitening methods.

If you’re considering whitening your teeth and have dental crowns, it’s crucial to consult with a dentist to determine the best course of action. They can help you achieve a whiter smile by whitening the surrounding teeth, replacing the crown, or using other dental restorations. This personalized approach ensures that your crowns and natural teeth blend seamlessly, giving you a cohesive and bright smile.

Understanding Dental Crowns and Whitening Challenges

Dental crowns are custom-made caps that cover damaged or decayed teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance. They’re typically made from materials like porcelain, especially porcelain crowns ceramic, or metal alloys.

In-office treatments can be used to whiten porcelain crowns by employing stronger whitening agents and techniques, such as laser whitening, to achieve immediate results while protecting the surrounding gum tissue.

Unlike natural teeth, dental crowns don’t respond to traditional whitening treatments because:

• Porcelain and ceramic crowns are non-porous, so bleaching agents can’t penetrate them
• The materials used in crowns don’t change color when exposed to whitening chemicals
• Traditional whitening methods might create a color mismatch between your crowns and natural teeth

Maintaining a consistent shade with adjacent front teeth is crucial for a natural and aesthetically pleasing smile.

Also Read: What Chips Can You Eat With Braces: A Guide to Braces-Friendly Snacking

Causes of Discoloration

Discoloration of dental crowns can occur due to various factors, including surface stains, aging, and wear and tear. The materials used to manufacture the crown also play a significant role in its susceptibility to staining.

For instance, porcelain crowns can be more prone to staining compared to ceramic crowns. Additionally, lifestyle habits such as smoking, consuming coffee or red wine, and poor oral hygiene can contribute to the discoloration of dental crowns.

Understanding these causes is essential for maintaining the appearance and longevity of your dental crowns. By being mindful of these factors, you can take proactive steps to keep your crowns looking their best.

Effective Methods to Clean and Brighten Dental Crowns

1. Regular Brushing with Proper Technique

The foundation of crown maintenance is consistent brushing:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching the crown surface
• Brush gently around the crown, especially at the gum line
• Pay attention to all surfaces: front, back, and chewing surface
• Brush at least twice daily for two minutes each time to help maintain white teeth

2. Non-Abrasive Polishing Toothpaste

For surface stains on crowns that may be caused by tooth discoloration :

• Choose a non-abrasive toothpaste specifically formulated for dental work
• Avoid whitening toothpastes with harsh abrasives or bleaching agents
• Gently polish the crown surface to remove minor stains
• Look for toothpastes containing mild polishing agents that won’t scratch porcelain

3. Baking Soda for Gentle Cleaning

Baking soda can help remove surface stains without damaging crowns, and it can also be used to baking soda whiten crowns effectively.

• Create a paste with baking soda and water
• Apply it gently to the crown using a soft toothbrush
• Brush in circular motions for about one minute
• Rinse thoroughly with water
• Use this method no more than once a week to avoid potential abrasion

4. Professional Dental Cleaning

Regular professional cleanings, which may include professional teeth whitening options, are essential for crown maintenance:

• Schedule cleanings every 6 months
• Dental hygienists use specialized tools to remove stubborn buildup
• Consulting professional dental services is crucial for optimal crown maintenance and overall oral health
• Professional polishing can restore shine to dulled crowns
• Dentists can identify any issues with your crowns during these visits
• During in-office teeth whitening procedures, a protective gel is applied to cover the gum tissue, ensuring a safer and more effective whitening experience

5. Proper Flossing Technique

Flossing is crucial for crown care:

• Use waxed floss or floss specifically designed for dental work
• Gently slide the floss between teeth, avoiding snapping it against gums
• Pay special attention to the area where the crown meets the gum line
• Consider using a water flosser for effective cleaning around crowns

6. Natural Remedies

While natural remedies may not be effective in whitening dental crowns, they can help remove surface stains and maintain good oral health. Some natural remedies include oil pulling, brushing with baking soda, and using hydrogen peroxide mouthwash.

Oil pulling involves swishing oil, such as coconut oil, in your mouth to remove bacteria and plaque. Brushing with baking soda can help remove minor stains, but it should be done gently to avoid abrasion.

Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash can also help in removing surface stains. However, it’s essential to note that these remedies may not be as effective as professional teeth whitening treatments and should be used in conjunction with regular dental cleanings and check-ups.

Additionally, it’s crucial to consult with a dentist before using any natural remedies to ensure they won’t damage your dental crowns or surrounding teeth.

Also Read: When a Tooth with Root Canal Hurts with Pressure: Causes and Solutions

7. Over-the-Counter Whitening Products

Over-the-counter whitening products, such as whitening toothpaste, strips, and trays, can be used to whiten the surrounding teeth, but they may not be effective on dental crowns. These products typically contain mild abrasives and bleaching agents, such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, which can help remove surface stains and whiten natural teeth.

However, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult with a dentist before using any over-the-counter whitening products, especially if you have dental crowns or other dental restorations. Using these products incorrectly can lead to uneven whitening and potential damage to your dental work.

Preventing Crown Discoloration

Dietary Considerations

What you eat and drink significantly impacts crown appearance:

• Limit consumption of staining beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine
• Rinse your mouth with water after consuming potentially staining foods
• Use a straw when drinking beverages that might stain
• Brush teeth soon after consuming staining foods when possible

Lifestyle Changes

Certain habits, including the use of teeth whiteners, can help maintain crown brightness:

• Quit smoking, as tobacco causes significant staining
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene
• Avoid chewing on hard objects that could damage crowns
• Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to whitening dental crowns, there are several common mistakes to avoid. One of the most significant mistakes is using bleaching agents or whitening products that can damage the crown or surrounding teeth.

Additionally, avoiding regular dental cleanings and check-ups can lead to the buildup of surface stains and discoloration of the crown. It’s also essential to avoid using baking soda or other abrasive materials to whiten dental crowns, as they can damage the porcelain or ceramic surface.

By avoiding these common mistakes and consulting with a dentist, you can maintain the appearance and longevity of your dental crowns and achieve a whiter, healthier smile. Regular professional cleanings and proper at-home care are key to keeping your crowns looking their best.

Also Read: Exposed Tooth Nerve: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

When to Consider Crown Replacement

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, crowns may need replacement:

• If your crown is significantly discolored or damaged
• When there’s a noticeable color mismatch with surrounding teeth
• If the crown is more than 10-15 years old
• When recommended by your dentist after examination
• To replace an old, discolored crown with a new crown that matches the whiteness of your cleaned and whitened natural teeth, enhancing the appearance of your smile

Professional Options for Improving Crown Appearance

When DIY methods aren’t sufficient:

• Professional polishing by your dentist can remove surface stains. Consulting a dentist is crucial to ensure the best course of action for safely achieving the desired results, including a brighter smile and a proper match of dental crowns to newly whitened teeth.
• Replacement with a newer, whiter crown may be necessary for significant discoloration. In-office treatments are highly effective for significant discoloration and offer better longevity compared to over-the-counter products.
• Consider whitening your natural teeth first, then replacing crowns to match the new shade

Maintaining Oral Health with Crowns

Beyond appearance, maintaining overall oral health, including the health of your tooth enamel, is essential:

• Regular dental checkups every 6 months
• Address any issues with your crown promptly
• Maintain good gum health around crowned teeth to prevent gum disease
• Use fluoride products to protect the natural tooth structure under the crown
• Choose whitening products that minimize tooth sensitivity

Faq’s

How to whiten dental crowns at home?

You cannot truly “whiten” dental crowns at home in the same way you can whiten natural teeth, because dental crowns are made from materials like porcelain or ceramic that do not respond to traditional teeth whitening agents. However, you can remove surface stains and keep your crowns looking their best by practicing excellent oral hygiene. This includes regular brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive whitening toothpaste, daily flossing, and rinsing with a gentle mouthwash. You can also use a paste of baking soda and water occasionally to help remove minor surface stains, but avoid abrasive products or harsh scrubbing, as these can scratch the crown’s surface. For persistent discoloration, professional dental cleaning is the safest and most effective option (source).

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Can hydrogen peroxide whiten crowns?

Hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient in many teeth whitening products and is effective at whitening natural teeth by penetrating tooth enamel and breaking down stains. However, hydrogen peroxide does not whiten dental crowns, because the materials used in crowns (such as porcelain or ceramic) are non-porous and do not react to bleaching agents. While hydrogen peroxide may help remove some surface stains from crowns, it will not change the underlying color of the crown itself. Overuse of hydrogen peroxide can also irritate your gums or damage the bond between the crown and your tooth, so it should be used with caution (source).

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Can you whiten a crown tooth?

No, you cannot truly whiten a crown tooth using traditional whitening treatments. Whitening gels, strips, and other over-the-counter products are designed to work on natural teeth and have little to no effect on the color of dental crowns. If your crown has become stained or discolored, the best you can do at home is to remove surface stains with gentle cleaning. If the crown is significantly darker than your surrounding teeth, the only way to achieve a whiter appearance is to have the crown professionally cleaned or replaced by your dentist (source).

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Does baking soda whiten crowns?

Baking soda can help remove minor surface stains from dental crowns due to its mild abrasive properties. You can make a paste with baking soda and water and gently brush the crown to lift some external discoloration. However, baking soda will not change the intrinsic color of the crown material. Overuse or aggressive scrubbing with baking soda can scratch the crown’s surface, making it more prone to future staining. Use this method sparingly and always with a soft-bristled toothbrush (source).

References

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, crowns are custom-made caps designed to restore damaged teeth.

As highlighted by MedlinePlus, replacing old or damaged crowns is part of long-term dental health care.

The American Dental Association notes that dental crowns are made from materials that don’t respond to whitening agents.

The University of Rochester Medical Center provides guidance on effective home care for crowns and dental restorations.

Studies from the National Library of Medicine indicate that diluted hydrogen peroxide mouthwash may assist in reducing surface stains.