Dental crowns are the most often utilized kind of restorative dental therapy. Dental veneers are usually used for aesthetic purposes. Before its application, they remove some enamel from the patient’s natural teeth surface. They may hide flaws, fill in spaces between teeth, and provide an overall more unified appearance to your grin by covering imperfections.
Is it possible to whiten them for people who have crowns or veneers? To answer this question, we’ll look at what types of veneers and crowns are available and whether or not you can whiten them.
What Are the Different Types of Crowns?
Crowns are placed on the chewing surface of your teeth to provide structural support and remain in place when biting down on food. While most of them are made of porcelain custom-molded to your tooth’s natural surface, metal ones are available. Metal crowns are not as strong as their porcelain counterparts and are considered more aesthetic in their purpose. This means they are not thick enough to withstand the pressures applied with chewing and tend to be more brittle than their ceramic counterparts.
Can You Whiten Porcelain Crowns?
Many dentists agree that you can thoroughly whiten a porcelain crown to a pearly white. However, there are some concerns about the integrity of the crown and the potential for fracturing. The crown must be given adequate time to cure, as it will be brittle before that.
The curing process requires the crown to be heated to extreme temperatures, which will cause it to take on its whitened appearance. Some dentists recommend waiting a week or two between whitening sessions. You should not whiten your crown more than once a year. The whitening process is safe, but it could cause the crown to become weak and fracture if not done correctly.
What Are the Different Types of Veneers?
There are three main types of veneers: porcelain, composite resin, and natural tooth veneers. Porcelain veneers are often used to cover the entire tooth surface, while the other two cover only certain parts of the tooth. Composite resin veneers are used to treat chips or cracks. Natural tooth veneers treat tooth wear, spacing, or teeth that appear too short because of over-eruption.
Can You Whiten Porcelain Veneers?
The good news is that porcelain veneers are easily whitened, as they are made of the same material as crowns. If you are not happy with the color of your veneers, you can whiten them at home or even get whitening treatments from your dentist.
Can You Whiten Composite Resin Veneers?
Composite resin veneers are more fragile and difficult to whiten than porcelain veneers. However, you can still whiten them to some extent. The best way to whiten composite resin veneers is to see your dentist, who will likely recommend replacing a composite resin veneer instead if the veneers are too discolored.
Is It a Good Idea to Whiten Crowns and Veneers?
Generally, we recommend that you do not whiten your crowns or veneers right away. They are made of porcelain or high-quality composite resin, which both require a great deal of care and attention to retain their appearance. The whitening process can make your crowns more fragile, and the resin material can absorb the whitening chemicals in veneers. This can cause the resin to become yellow or dull in appearance.
On the other hand, it’s probably not a bad idea if you want to whiten crowns and veneers. However, you should consult with your dentist beforehand to get their opinion on how to proceed. Most dentists will wash the area with hydrogen peroxide and brush the teeth before whitening. This is to ensure that chemicals don’t harm your crowns or veneers.
Conclusion
If you have veneers or crowns fitted, you should consider getting them whitened. However, it’s not recommended that you whiten your veneers or crowns every day. Doing so every few months or so will keep your teeth looking good. Don’t forget to brush and floss your teeth regularly, and see your dentist every six months for a thorough cleaning. Remember to talk to your dentist about your plans to whiten your veneers or crowns before you do so.
Are you looking for the best dentist in Danvers, MA? Contact Danvers Aesthetic Family Dentistry. Dr. Christin likes providing you and your family with the best dental treatment possible. She listens to patients’ concerns and explains processes so that you are well-informed and at ease. Schedule a consult with us today!