Can You Whiten a Dental Crown? Here’s the Truth

What are dental crowns made of, and how do they react to whitening?

Dental crowns are custom-made restorations designed to cover and protect a damaged or weakened tooth. They are typically made from porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of these materials. In crown and bridge treatments, crowns are used to cap individual teeth or anchor artificial teeth within a dental bridge.

Unlike natural teeth, which have porous enamel that responds to whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, crowns are non-porous. This means they do not absorb the bleaching chemicals used in standard whitening treatments.

As a result, whitening products cannot lighten the shade of an existing crown. Whether applied through in-office procedures or at-home kits, these agents will whiten only your natural teeth, leaving crowns unchanged.

Why might a crown appear darker over time?

Though the crown itself does not discolour internally, it can appear darker for several reasons. First, the surrounding natural teeth may whiten with treatment or with age, creating a contrast in shade. Second, wear and tear or staining on the surface of the crown can affect its appearance.

Surface stains from coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco can build up over time. While these do not penetrate the crown material, they can dull its appearance. In some cases, the adhesive or tooth structure underneath a translucent crown can darken, showing through the restoration.

If your crown was matched to your teeth years ago and your natural teeth have since changed colour, it may now stand out—even more so after a whitening session.

What are your options if your crown doesn’t match your smile?

If your crown appears darker than your whitened teeth, one solution is to replace it with a new one that matches your current tooth shade. At White Perfect Dental, we recommend whitening your natural teeth first, then crafting a crown that matches the new, brighter tone.

For surface stains on crowns, professional polishing during a dental cleaning can often restore some brightness. However, this is limited to removing external stains and won’t change the underlying shade of the material.

In cases where multiple crowns or bridges are involved, and you’re considering a full smile makeover, it’s important to coordinate all cosmetic work to achieve a cohesive look. Our team at White Perfect Dental specialises in balancing aesthetics with function in all crown and bridge treatments.

How to prevent your crown from standing out in the future

The best way to ensure your crown blends seamlessly with your smile is to plan ahead. If you’re considering whitening, do it before receiving a crown or bridge. That way, the final restoration can be matched to the shade you’re happy with.

Once you have your crown, maintain a good oral hygiene routine to minimise surface stains. Brush twice daily with non-abrasive toothpaste, floss regularly, and avoid staining foods and drinks when possible.

Schedule routine dental check-ups so your dentist can monitor the condition of your crown and provide professional cleaning and advice. If you’re uncertain about future cosmetic treatments, discuss a long-term plan with your dentist to avoid mismatched shades.

At White Perfect Dental, we work closely with patients to customise every aspect of their crown and bridge work, ensuring both function and appearance are carefully considered.