Will Teeth Whitening Work With Crowns and Fillings

The average American has at least three dental fillings, and some studies show that about 40% of adults have one or more dental crowns. Many patients with crowns and fillings wonder what will happen if they have their teeth whitened. If you’re interested in enhancing your smile with our whitening services, here’s everything you need to know about whitening with crowns and fillings:

How Teeth Whitening Works

Teeth whitening uses a category of compounds called “peroxides.” The most commonly used compounds are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. When these compounds contact your enamel, they react to the presence of surface stains. The volatile oxygen molecules in the peroxide will “break” the bonds that hold these stains in place. This “bleaches” the stain away to give you a whiter smile.

Crowns & Fillings Do Not React To Chemical Teeth Whiteners

Tooth-colored fillings are usually made out of resin composite materials, which do not respond to whitening treatment. Crowns may be made of resin or of ceramic/porcelain materials, and they also do not respond to whitening.

Unlike your natural teeth, the peroxide used to whiten teeth does not react to the material of your tooth-colored crown or filling. They cannot be whitened, and will always remain the same shade even if you have the rest of your teeth whitened.

Can I Have My Teeth Whitened Before My Crowns Or Fillings Are Placed?

If you are replacing multiple metal crowns or fillings, or you have some decayed or damaged teeth and will require treatment with one or more crowns or fillings, it may be possible to whiten your teeth before your crowns and fillings are placed.

Once your teeth are the desired shade, Dr. William will choose resin or ceramic material that matches the shade of your newly whitened teeth. This ensures that your dental restorations will match your natural teeth perfectly.

What If I Have Multiple Dental Restorations & Want My Teeth To Be Whitened?

If you have multiple dental restorations and you would like a brighter smile, traditional whitening may not be appropriate since it may result in an uneven smile. However, there are a few other options you can explore to improve tooth color:

• Cosmetic crowns – You may be able to replace existing discolored crowns or have new cosmetic crowns attached to your teeth to cover up stains and restore your smile.
• Veneers – Veneers can cover up the front chewing surfaces of your teeth and hide discolorations and stains.
• Dental bonding – Dental bonding can be used to apply dental resin directly to your tooth, covering up imperfections like gaps in your smile and misshapen teeth, as well as tooth discoloration.

The best treatment for your needs may differ depending on your oral health, your number of dental restorations, and other such factors.

Get A Brighter Smile – Get In Touch With The Team At Lakewood Smiles Dentistry!

Whether you would like your teeth to be whitened before your fillings or crowns are placed, or you’re exploring other options such as crowns, veneers and bonding, Dr. Nancy William is here to help. Contact us now at (562) 936-0071 to get started, or stop by our either of our two office locations in Lakewood or Los Alamitos.