Unveiling the Secrets: How to Whiten Crowns at Home

Whitening Crowns: How to Achieve a Brighter Smile at Home

If you’ve ever had dental crowns placed on your teeth, you know how important they are for both function and aesthetics. However, over time, crowns can lose their brightness and may not match the natural color of your teeth. While professional whitening treatments are available, many people prefer to whiten their crowns at home due to convenience and cost. In this article, we will unveil the secrets of how to whiten crowns at home effectively, keeping your smile looking fresh and natural.

Understanding Dental Crowns

Before diving into the methods of whitening crowns, it’s important to understand what dental crowns are and why they may change color. A dental crown is a cap that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are often made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys. While natural teeth are porous and can absorb stains from food and drink, crowns, especially porcelain ones, are not as susceptible to staining. However, over time, they can still develop discoloration due to the buildup of plaque, food particles, or stains from beverages like coffee, tea, or wine.

Can You Whiten Crowns?

Unlike natural teeth, dental crowns do not respond to traditional teeth whitening treatments such as whitening strips, gels, or professional bleaching. This is because crowns are made from non-porous materials that don’t absorb whitening agents. However, there are some methods you can try to brighten or maintain the appearance of your crowns at home. Below are several techniques to help you whiten crowns and improve their aesthetic appeal.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Whiten Crowns at Home

1. Proper Oral Hygiene

The first and most important step in maintaining the whiteness of your crowns is practicing proper oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily helps prevent plaque buildup and keeps your crowns looking their best.

• Brush twice a day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste to clean both your natural teeth and crowns. Be sure to brush gently to avoid damaging the crown material.
• Floss daily: Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth and crowns, preventing discoloration caused by trapped debris.
• Use a mouthwash: Rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash can help remove surface stains and freshen your breath.

2. Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

Baking soda is a popular and gentle abrasive that can help remove surface stains on your crowns. Combined with hydrogen peroxide, it can work as a mild bleaching agent to whiten crowns at home.

• Make a paste: Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to create a paste.
• Brush with the paste: Apply the paste to your toothbrush and gently brush your crowns and surrounding teeth for two minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly: After brushing, rinse your mouth with water to remove the paste and any residue.

Note that this method is best for removing surface stains and not for deeply whitening crowns. Avoid using this mixture too often, as baking soda can be abrasive over time and may wear down the surface of the crown.

3. Try Whitening Toothpaste

While whitening toothpaste may not have the same dramatic effect on crowns as it does on natural teeth, it can help remove surface stains and maintain a brighter appearance. Look for whitening toothpastes that are non-abrasive and specifically designed for use with crowns and veneers.

• Choose a gentle formula: Make sure the whitening toothpaste you choose is safe for use on dental restorations.
• Brush regularly: Use whitening toothpaste at least once a day in place of regular toothpaste to maintain the brightness of your crowns.
• Avoid harsh abrasives: Do not use toothpaste with harsh abrasives that could scratch or damage your crowns.

4. Use Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal has gained popularity as a natural whitening agent. Its porous surface is effective at absorbing stains and toxins from the teeth. While there is limited research on its effectiveness for whitening crowns, it can help remove surface-level stains.

• Activate the charcoal: Wet your toothbrush and dip it into activated charcoal powder.
• Brush gently: Brush your crowns and natural teeth gently for two minutes, being careful not to apply too much pressure.
• Rinse thoroughly: Rinse your mouth well to remove any remaining charcoal particles.

While activated charcoal can help brighten your smile, it should be used sparingly as the abrasiveness of the charcoal could potentially damage your crowns over time if used too often.

5. Use Professional-Grade Whitening Gels (for Porcelain Crowns)

If you have porcelain crowns, there are some professional-grade whitening gels available for home use that can help whiten your crowns. These products are typically sold in kits that include custom-fitted trays to apply the gel to your teeth. While these gels may not lighten the color of your crowns as effectively as they would natural teeth, they can help remove surface stains.

• Follow instructions: Be sure to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results and safety.
• Use with caution: Always consult with your dentist before using any whitening gel to ensure that it is safe for use on your specific type of crown material.

6. Avoid Staining Foods and Beverages

One of the easiest ways to maintain the appearance of your crowns is by limiting your intake of foods and beverages that can stain your teeth. While crowns are less likely to absorb stains than natural teeth, they can still appear discolored if you frequently consume items that cause staining.

• Avoid coffee and tea: Both of these beverages can stain crowns and natural teeth alike.
• Limit red wine and cola: These drinks contain tannins and dark pigments that can lead to staining over time.
• Eat stain-resistant foods: Incorporate foods like apples, carrots, and celery into your diet, as they can help naturally clean your teeth.

Troubleshooting Tips: What to Do if Your Crowns Won’t Whiten

1. Consult Your Dentist

If your efforts to whiten your crowns at home are unsuccessful, it may be time to consult your dentist. In some cases, the crown material itself may have become stained or discolored beyond what at-home treatments can resolve. Your dentist may recommend professional cleaning or, if necessary, replacing the crown to restore its natural appearance.

2. Check for Surface Damage

If your crowns have developed cracks, chips, or other surface damage, it can lead to discoloration. In such cases, whitening treatments may not be effective. A dental professional can assess the condition of your crowns and suggest appropriate solutions, such as repairs or replacements.

3. Be Patient

Whitening crowns at home can be a slow process, especially if the discoloration is deep-set. Be patient and consistent with your efforts. Over time, regular brushing with whitening toothpaste, gentle abrasives like baking soda, and avoiding staining foods can help improve the appearance of your crowns.

Conclusion

Whitening crowns at home is a feasible and cost-effective way to improve the appearance of your dental restorations. By maintaining excellent oral hygiene, using natural whitening methods like baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, and avoiding staining foods, you can keep your crowns looking bright and fresh. However, if at-home treatments don’t produce the desired results, it’s essential to consult with your dentist for professional advice and possible treatment options.

Remember, while whitening crowns may not be as straightforward as whitening natural teeth, with a little care and attention, you can ensure that your smile stays radiant for years to come. For more information on maintaining dental restorations, check out this comprehensive guide to dental care.

If you’re looking to explore more whitening options, consider visiting your dentist for professional advice and customized whitening treatments. For the latest in dental technologies and products, check out this article on current teeth whitening trends.

This article is in the category DIY Tools and created by DIYCraft Team