Can I Still Whiten My Teeth If I Have a Crown?

It’s a common question: If I have a dental crown, can I still whiten my teeth? The short answer is no, teeth whitening treatments don’t change the color of crowns—but there are smart ways to keep your smile looking even and bright.

Here’s why: dental crowns are made from porcelain or ceramic, which don’t respond to bleaching agents the same way natural teeth do.

While whitening can lighten your surrounding teeth, the crown will stay the same shade it was when it was first placed. This sometimes leads to uneven coloring if your natural teeth become whiter than the crown.

So, what are your options?

• If your crown is in good shape, you might whiten your natural teeth first and then replace the crown to match the new shade.
• If you already have a crown and want to whiten, your dentist may recommend professional cleaning or polishing for the crown and whitening for the surrounding teeth.
• For future crowns, you can whiten your teeth before getting the crown, so it’s matched to your brightest shade.

The best step is always to check in with a dentist who can create a personalized plan to keep your smile natural and consistent.

At Alpine Dental, we specialize in cosmetic dentistry—from porcelain crowns and veneers to dental implants and emergency repairs. If you’re looking for the best dentist in New Jersey to help you achieve a whiter, healthier smile, our team is here for you.

FAQs

Sources:



• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10923-dental-crowns
• https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/teeth-whitening/can-you-whiten-a-crown
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4058574/
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772559622000207
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10024105/