Can You Whiten Crowns or Fillings?
Teeth whitening can brighten a smile, but it doesn’t work the same way on natural teeth as it does on restorations. If you have fillings or crowns, understanding these cosmetic limitations can help you set realistic expectations before beginning teeth whitening dental work.
Whitening Dental Work: What Can and Can’t Change?
Whitening treatments work by lightening the natural color of the tooth’s enamel. Dental fillings and crowns don’t respond to whitening agents in the same way natural teeth do, so their existing shade generally stays the same. Some common dental restorations and their whitening effects include:
- Fillings: Tooth-colored composite and porcelain fillings can be matched to natural teeth, while silver amalgam fillings remain visibly different. Teeth whitening products will not lighten fillings.
- Crowns: Crowns protect teeth that have been damaged or decayed and may be made from materials such as porcelain or metal. Teeth whitening treatments can brighten surrounding natural teeth, but it won’t change the crown’s established color.
Understanding Cosmetic Limitations with Teeth Whitening
After undergoing a tooth whitening treatment, your natural teeth may become whiter but your filling or crown will stay the same shade. Your restoration may even appear darker next to your natural teeth. However, this doesn’t mean teeth whitening is impossible. Instead, the goal may be to whiten the natural teeth first, then consider whether an existing restoration should be replaced so its shade better matches your brighter smile. Consult with your dentist, so they can evaluate your specific situation while considering factors such as:
- The type of restoration you have
- The condition and appearance of your natural teeth
- Whether visible dental work may look mismatched after whitening treatments
Other Ways to Keep Your Smile Looking White
Whitening isn’t the only option for improving the appearance of a smile with crowns or fillings. Professional cleaning can remove surface stains and help teeth look brighter without changing the color of restorations. Depending on the condition and appearance of your existing dental work, your dentist may also discuss polishing, touch-ups or replacing restorations with a shade that better matches your natural teeth.
If you’re considering whitening dental work, it’s important to understand that restorations themselves will not become lighter through traditional whitening. Planning the treatment around your existing fillings and crowns can help create a more balanced smile.
Healthy, Comfortable Smiles with Dr. Orobitg
A professional dental evaluation can help determine what approach makes sense for your teeth. For Leesburg, Florida-area patients, Dr. Eddie Orobitg can help address dental concerns while supporting a smile that looks healthy and white. For over 20 years, Eddie Orobitg, D.M.D. has treated the Leesburg community with quality dental health checkups and restorative procedures. If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, discomfort or pain, then trust your experienced local dentist, Dr. Orobitg, to take care of all your dental needs. Call 352-787-5919 to schedule your appointment today.