So, you’re rocking dental crowns and life’s good. But now you’re thinking: “Can I whiten dental crowns to match my pearly whites?” Totally understandable! We all want that gleaming, picture-perfect smile. But before you run out and grab a whitening kit, here’s the scoop on what you can and can’t do regarding dental crowns.

Let’s break it down:

What Exactly Are Dental Crowns?

First, let’s discuss crowns. A dental crown is like a cap for your tooth. It’s a custom-made cover that fits over a damaged or decayed tooth, restoring its shape, size, and function. Whether you have a broken tooth or one that’s seen better days after a root canal, a crown steps in to save the day and protect what’s left. Pretty cool, right?

Dental crowns are a major part of their cosmetic offerings at major dentist clinics. They’re designed to look natural and blend with your real teeth—so if you’ve got a crown, it’s probably giving you a big confidence boost already. But what happens when you want to take things up a notch and whiten that smile?

Can You Whiten Dental Crowns?

Alright, here’s where things get real. The short answer? No, you can’t whiten dental crowns the same way you whiten natural teeth. Crowns are made of materials like porcelain or ceramic, which don’t respond to whitening agents like your natural enamel does. So, all those over-the-counter whitening strips, gels, and LED kits? Yeah, they’re not going to cut it for your crowns.

But don’t stress! That doesn’t mean you’re stuck. There are still ways to keep your smile looking fresh, and we’ll get into those options in a bit. Let’s explore why whitening products and dental crowns don’t mix.

Why Can’t You Whiten Crowns?

Whitening products are designed to break down stains on the surface of natural teeth. Your enamel is porous, which allows bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide to seep in and lighten those stains. Crowns, on the other hand, are made from smooth, non-porous materials. They’re basically stain-resistant, but that also means they won’t respond to whitening treatments.

But here’s the good news: since your dental crowns are already designed to match the shade of your natural teeth when they’re placed, they shouldn’t discolor as easily. However, if your natural teeth start to darken over time due to things like coffee, wine, or, let’s be real, life, you might start to notice a bit of a mismatch between your teeth and your crown.

Keeping Your Crowns and Smile Bright

Okay, so we’ve established that you can’t whiten crowns traditionally. But that doesn’t mean you can’t keep your smile looking flawless. Here’s what you can do:

1. Regular Professional Cleanings

The simplest (and most underrated) way to keep your crowns and teeth looking fresh is by scheduling regular professional cleanings. At the Dental Crowns team in Bellevue, cleanings can help remove surface stains from your natural teeth and maintain the polished look of your crowns. A clean smile is always a bright smile, and your crowns will shine right along with it.

2. Teeth Whitening for Natural Teeth

While you can’t directly whiten dental crowns, you can whiten your natural teeth. This will help even out the overall look of your smile, making sure everything matches as closely as possible. Just remember: after whitening your natural teeth, your crown will remain the same shade it was when first placed. So, the goal is to keep everything looking cohesive.

At Dental Crowns Bellevue, teeth whitening services are safe and effective and are done by professionals who know how to get the best results. Trust me, it’s way better than attempting those DIY whitening hacks that you see on social media.

3. Replace Old or Discolored Crowns

If your crowns were placed years ago and your natural teeth have whitened since then, or if the crown itself has dulled over time (it happens), you may want to consider getting them replaced. A new crown can be crafted to perfectly match the current shade of your natural teeth, giving you that seamless, uniform look.

Our dental crowns dentists in Bellevue are pros at replacing old crowns with ones that blend effortlessly with your smile. Whether you need a touch-up on one crown or a complete smile makeover, they’ve got you covered.

4. Avoid Stain-Causing Foods and Drinks

If you want to prevent future mismatches between your crowns and teeth, it’s a good idea to limit the stuff that causes staining. We’re talking about coffee, tea, red wine, and—yup—even those dark berries. You don’t have to give them up completely, but if you’re sipping on something dark, try using a straw to keep the liquid from hitting your teeth directly. And brush afterward! It’s best to go for teeth-friendly food.

What About Cosmetic Touch-Ups?

Looking for more than a cleaning or crown replacement? We offer cosmetic services to keep your smile fresh. From teeth whitening to veneers, we help you achieve your dream smile. Whether your crowns are fine or you need a whitening boost, you have options!

Noticing a shade difference between your teeth and crowns? Talk to your Bellevue dentist. They’ll assess if you need whitening for your natural teeth or if it’s time to replace your crowns. Always consult with a pro to ensure your smile stays bright! At the end of the day, dental crowns Bellevue is all about keeping your crowns looking perfect and is all about maintenance. While you can’t whiten crowns, there are plenty of other ways to keep everything looking bright and cohesive. So, if you’re ready for a touch-up, a new crown, or a total smile refresh, the Bellevue team will help you glow up!