Can you use Crest Whitestrips if you have a dental crown?

When it comes to teeth whitening, Crest Whitestrips are among the most popular and widely used products. They promise a brighter, whiter smile in a relatively short period, often providing noticeable results within just a few applications. However, when you have dental crowns, a common dental restoration, you may wonder if using whitening products like Crest Whitestrips is safe and effective.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are custom-made caps placed over damaged or weakened teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are typically made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of both. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are commonly used for their natural tooth-like appearance, making them a popular choice for visible teeth. However, they can behave differently from natural teeth, especially when it comes to whitening.

How Do Crest Whitestrips Work?

Crest Whitestrips are thin, flexible strips coated with a gel containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These ingredients are bleaching agents that break down stains on the surface of the teeth, making them appear whiter. When applied to the teeth for the recommended amount of time, the strips gradually whiten teeth by penetrating the enamel. The results depend on the severity of the stains, the type of whitening product used, and how frequently it is applied.

The Impact of Crest Whitestrips on Dental Crowns

Dental crowns, especially those made from porcelain or ceramic, are designed to mimic the appearance of natural teeth. However, while natural teeth can be whitened, crowns are resistant to the whitening effects of most whitening products. Here’s why:

Non-porous Nature of Crowns: Unlike natural teeth, which have pores that can absorb whitening agents, crowns made from porcelain or ceramic do not have this property. This means that whitening agents in Crest Whitestrips cannot penetrate or affect the surface of the crown, making them ineffective at whitening the crown itself.
Whitening Effects on Natural Teeth Only: Crest Whitestrips work by breaking down the stains on the enamel of your natural teeth. Since dental crowns are made from materials that do not react the same way as natural enamel, the whitening agents won’t work on the crown. As a result, while your natural teeth may become whiter, the crowns will likely remain the same color.
Uneven Whitening: If you use Crest Whitestrips on your teeth while you have crowns, you may experience uneven whitening. Your natural teeth may lighten in shade, but your crowns will stay the same color, leading to a noticeable contrast between the two. This can create a less aesthetically pleasing smile, as the crowns may stand out more prominently.
Effect on Older Crowns: If your dental crown is older, it may have accumulated surface stains over time. Whitening strips might help reduce staining on the surrounding natural teeth, but they won’t remove any discoloration on the crown itself. In some cases, older crowns may even appear more noticeable if your natural teeth become significantly lighter.

Should You Use Crest Whitestrips With Dental Crowns?

While Crest Whitestrips may not be effective on dental crowns, they can still be useful for whitening your natural teeth. However, if you have a dental crown, there are several things you should consider before using the product:

Consult Your Dentist First: Before using any whitening treatment, including Crest Whitestrips, it’s always a good idea to consult with your dentist. They can provide personalized advice based on the type of crowns you have, their age, and their condition. They can also recommend alternative treatments for whitening if you are looking to achieve a more even smile.
Consider a Professional Whitening Treatment: If you are unhappy with the appearance of your crown in contrast to your natural teeth, your dentist may offer professional whitening options or touch-up services. In some cases, they may suggest replacing the crown with a newer one that matches the whitened shade of your natural teeth.
Try Touch-Up Procedures: Some people with crowns choose to get professional teeth whitening done, and then, if needed, have their crowns replaced to match the new color. This is especially important if the contrast between the natural teeth and crown becomes too noticeable after whitening treatments.
Look for Non-Whitening Alternatives: If whitening is not an option for your crown, but you still want to maintain a uniform smile, you could ask your dentist about options like veneers or dental bonding. These treatments can help enhance the color and appearance of both your natural teeth and crowns.

Other Whitening Options for Those with Crowns

If you are interested in achieving a whiter smile but have dental crowns, there are a few alternatives to Crest Whitestrips that might better suit your needs:

Custom Bleaching Trays: A dentist can create custom trays to fit your teeth precisely. These trays are filled with a professional-strength whitening gel and used to whiten natural teeth. However, these gels typically won’t affect crowns, so they may be more effective in maintaining the whiteness of your natural teeth.
Laser Whitening: In-office laser whitening is another professional treatment that targets natural teeth and provides more immediate results than over-the-counter whitening strips. This treatment can lighten your natural teeth, but it will not affect dental crowns. If necessary, your dentist can adjust or replace your crown afterward to match the new color of your teeth.
Veneers for a Whiter Smile: Some people with dental crowns choose to get porcelain veneers on their natural teeth to improve overall color and aesthetics. Veneers can be placed on both natural teeth and crowns, allowing for a more uniform look across your smile.
Maintaining Your Smile: While crest teeth whitening strips won’t whiten your crowns, maintaining good oral hygiene habits, such as regular brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist for cleanings, can help prevent additional staining. You can also ask your dentist about safe, non-whitening products to use alongside your crowns.

Conclusion

If you have dental crowns, Crest Whitestrips are unlikely to work on your crowns, as they cannot alter the color of non-porous materials like porcelain or ceramic. While they may effectively whiten your natural teeth, the difference in color between your natural teeth and the crowns could become more noticeable. If you’re concerned about the appearance of your smile after using whitening strips, consult with your dentist about your options. Professional whitening treatments, custom solutions, or replacing your crown may be more effective in achieving a balanced, bright smile. Always remember that maintaining your smile involves more than just whitening; regular dental visits and good oral care practices are essential for lasting results.