Can I whiten my teeth if I have fillings, crowns, or veneers?
Teeth whitening is among one of the most well-liked cosmetic dental treatments. People love the idea of a brighter, whiter smile, and many wonder if it’s possible to achieve this when they have dental work like fillings, crowns, or veneers. It’s a valid concern since these restorations may not always respond to whitening treatments in the same way natural teeth do.
Understanding Fillings, Crowns, and Veneers
Before diving into the question of whitening, it’s important to understand what these dental restorations are and how they differ from natural teeth.
- What are Fillings?
- What are Crowns?
- What are Veneers?
Fillings are used to repair cavities or reinstate damaged teeth. They can be made from a variety of materials like silver amalgam, composite resin, or porcelain. While composite and porcelain fillings can match the color of natural teeth, silver amalgam fillings stand out. Unfortunately, teeth whitening treatments don’t affect fillings, so you can’t expect them to change color like your natural teeth.
Dental crowns are protective caps placed over teeth that have been damaged or decayed. They can be constructed from metal, porcelain, or a mix of both, and while porcelain crowns mimic natural teeth in appearance, they do not respond to whitening treatments as real enamel does. Because whitening treatments work on the enamel and not on porcelain or metal, crowns retain their color after whitening treatments.
Veneers are thin shells developed from porcelain or resin put to the front of your teeth to improve their appearance. They’re an excellent choice for people who want to change the shape, size, or color of their teeth. While veneers can give you a dazzling smile, they won’t whiten with traditional whitening methods. If you want your veneers to match your newly whitened teeth, they may need to be replaced.
The Whitening Process
Teeth whitening in Greeley, CO, works by breaking down stains and lightening the natural color of your teeth. There are two primary ways to make your teeth white:
- Professional Whitening:
- At-home Whitening:
Done at a dental clinic, professional whitening treatments use stronger whitening agents. These treatments are usually quicker and more effective than over-the-counter options. Your dentist may use hydrogen peroxide, which breaks down stains on your enamel.
At-home treatments typically entail the use of whitening strips, gels, or trays filled with a lower concentration of peroxide. While effective, the process is slower than professional whitening. However, it’s a more affordable and convenient option.
Can I Whiten My Teeth with Fillings, Crowns, or Veneers?
Now that we understand the whitening process, let’s tackle the main question: can you whiten your teeth if you have fillings, crowns, or veneers?
- Fillings:
- Crowns:
- Veneers:
Unfortunately, fillings will not respond to whitening treatments. The whitening agents in peroxide products only affect natural tooth enamel. This means that if you have dental filling in Greeley, the color of the filling will stay the same even if the rest of your teeth whiten. If the contrast between your natural teeth and your fillings bothers you, you might need to replace the filling with a shade that matches your new tooth color.
Like fillings, crowns don’t react to whitening treatments. If you’ve had a crown placed over a discolored tooth, whitening the surrounding teeth may highlight the difference in color. If you’re concerned about the mismatch, talk to your dentist in Greeley, CO, about replacing the crown with one that matches your newly whitened teeth. Some people choose to whiten their teeth first, then replace their crowns.
Whitening won’t work on veneers either. Porcelain veneers are not porous like natural teeth, so they don’t absorb whitening agents. If your veneers no longer match the shade of your natural teeth, you may need to discuss options with your dentist near you to replace them.
Alternatives to Teeth Whitening for Restored Teeth
If whitening doesn’t work on fillings, crowns, or veneers, don’t worry—there are other ways to improve the appearance of your smile. Here are a few alternatives:
- Professional Cleanings:
- Touch-ups:
- Replacing Restorations:
Sometimes, stains on teeth can accumulate over time and cause discoloration. A professional cleaning at your dental clinic can remove surface stains, making your teeth appear brighter without affecting any dental restorations.
If you have dental implants in Greeley, CO, or other restorations, your dentist may recommend touch-ups to keep your smile looking bright. These could include polishing or other techniques to improve the appearance of your teeth.
If your dental implants or veneers are starting to look outdated or mismatched, your dentist may suggest getting new ones that match your current tooth color. This could be a more effective long-term solution than attempting to whiten your teeth.
Professional Advice on Whitening with Dental Work
Before starting any whitening treatment, it’s very important to consult with a dentist. Your dentist can help determine if you’re a good candidate for whitening based on your specific needs. They will do an assessment of your oral health and consider factors like:
- The type of restorations you have
- The condition of your natural teeth
- Any existing dental issues that may affect whitening results
A dentist in 80634 can recommend a customized plan for whitening your natural teeth while ensuring that your dental work remains in good condition. Professional guidance is crucial for getting the best results and avoiding any damage to your teeth or restorations.
Final Thoughts
Whitening your teeth with fillings, crowns, or veneers requires careful consideration. These dental restorations don’t respond to whitening treatments like natural teeth. For the best results, consult with a professional dentist at Waterman Richard DDS LLC to explore personalized options that will help you achieve a brighter smile while preserving your dental work.