What are teeth whitening options if you have a crown?

Most whiteners fit into one of these options:

• Polishes and pastes. These kinds of toothpaste and whitening products don't change your enamel colour but scrub away minor stains revealing a whiter smile.
• Over-the-counter whitening products. These over-the-counter products contain whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide and come in whitening toothpaste, gels, trays, pens, or strips. They bleach the enamel's surface and may whiten teeth by a few shades over time.
• Professional whitening treatments. For dramatic whitening results, talk to your dentist about in-office and take-home professional whitening treatments. These professional options include stronger bleaching products, plus your dentist monitors the colour of your teeth during treatment, achieving your desired shade. Your dentist can formulate your plan based on your specific needs, making this the safest way to whiten.

Most crowns are made from porcelain or composite porcelain. According to the American Dental Association, whitening treatments do not work on these types of materials. However, they will remain the colour they were when your dentist put them in. So if you notice that your natural teeth are yellowing or developing stains, your goal is to whiten those teeth, so they more closely match your whiter crown.

When a dentist puts in a crown, they are careful to make sure it matches the natural teeth' colour. Life happens, and over time, your natural teeth may begin to yellow or stain. Your crown does not. So it could look whiter than the surrounding teeth. Fortunately, your crown won't discolour like natural enamel.

If you want to whiten your teeth and have one or more crowns, talk to your dentist to find out the best treatment options to make and keep your smile bright.