Whitening veneers, crowns and composite fillings – is it possible?
Teeth whitening – regardless of the method, be it whitening with a lamp or tray-on whitening method – only works on natural enamel. The whitening preparations are based on hydrogen peroxide or carbamide, which have the ability to penetrate the enamel and lighten the stains accumulated there. Artificial materials such as crowns, porcelain veneers and composite fillings do not react to these chemicals.
What does this mean for you? If you have artificial elements in your smile, such as veneers or fillings, once you have whitened your natural teeth, there can be a situation where your natural teeth become much paler than the other elements. This can cause your smile to become patchy.
What can you do when the artificial fillings do not match in colour?
You are not without a solution. The following solutions can help if your crowns, veneers or fillings do not match your lighter teeth:
- Polishing or sandblasting – if your artificial pieces have changed shade due to deposits (e.g. from coffee, tea or nicotine), it’s worth seeing your dentist for a professional cleaning. Such treatments can help regain the original shade.
- Replacing restorations – if your teeth whitening has had a very noticeable effect, you may need to replace your crowns, veneers or fillings to match the colour of your new tooth shade.
- Adjusting your treatment plan – if you’re planning on whitening, it’s best to have this treatment done before new veneers, crowns or fillings are fitted to match the shade of your newly whitened teeth straight away.
Teeth whitening methods – which will be right for you?
Teeth whitening can be carried out in several ways, the most popular being Beyond lamp whitening and the overlay (try-on) method. What are the differences and which one is better if you have veneers or crowns?
Beyond whitening
Whitening with the Beyond lamp is a method that uses light to activate the whitening preparation applied to the teeth. It is a fast and effective method – usually one treatment is enough to achieve a clear effect. Unfortunately, this method does not work on artificial elements such as veneers or crowns, which means that they do not change their colour after the treatment.
Tray-on whitening
Overlay whitening is a method that involves the use of custom-made trays filled with whitening gels. The process takes slightly longer than lamp whitening – usually a few weeks – but gives more controlled results. As with Beyond lamp whitening, overlay whitening only works on natural teeth and artificial restorations are not lightened.
How do I care for veneers and fillings after whitening?
If you have already decided to undergo whitening, it is worth remembering some important rules regarding the care of artificial elements in your mouth. How do you prolong the whitening effect and care for crowns, veneers and fillings?
- Don’t overuse staining products – coffee, tea, red wine or tobacco can cause discolouration of both natural teeth and deposits on veneers or crowns.
- Visit your dentist regularly – regular visits allow you to check the condition of your veneers, fillings and general oral hygiene. It is a good idea to visit the dentist at least twice a year.
- Hygiene treatments – scaling, sandblasting and polishing will help to remove plaque and restore the fresh appearance of your teeth and veneers.
Is it worth whitening your teeth if you have veneers or crowns?
It depends on your expectations and situation. If you have porcelain veneers or crowns that are in good condition, it is worth consulting a cosmetic dentistry specialist to assess whether teeth whitening will be beneficial for you. Sometimes it is better to plan to replace fillings straight away to achieve the most aesthetically pleasing and uniform smile possible.
If, on the other hand, you are planning to have new crowns or veneers fitted, whitening your teeth before this procedure is an excellent idea. This way, the new restorations can be matched to the target lighter shade of your natural teeth.
Summary
Teeth whitening when having crowns, veneers or composite fillings is a topic that requires proper knowledge and consideration. Natural teeth can be whitened without problems, but artificial pieces do not whiten. A key step is to have a proper consultation with your dentist to help you choose the best solution for your smile.
Are you planning whitening and want to find out what your options are? Come to Warsaw Dental Academy – our specialists will be happy to answer your questions and help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. Thanks to our proprietary whitening method, we guarantee the effectiveness, comfort and complete safety of the treatment, even for people with tooth sensitivity. Don’t delay, make an appointment today and find out what solutions will work best for you!
Do you still have questions about teeth whitening with crowns or veneers? Share your concerns in the comments – we’re happy to dispel any doubts and help you on your way to a beautiful smile.
FAQ
- Will teeth whitening affect the colour of my veneers or crowns?
No, teeth whitening only works on natural enamel. Veneers, crowns and other artificial pieces will not change their colour as a result of whitening.
- What if my natural teeth are lighter than my crowns or veneers after bleaching?
If this is the case, you may want to consider replacing your crowns or veneers to match the new shade of your natural teeth. Alternatively, you can have a professional cleaning to reduce the shade difference.
- Can I whiten my teeth before placing veneers?
Yes, whitening your teeth before placing veneers is an excellent idea. This allows your new veneers to match the lighter shade of your natural teeth straight away.
- Is the tray-on whitening method safe for composite fillings?
Yes, the overlay method (try-on whitening) is safe for composite fillings, but be aware that the fillings will not change colour during whitening, which may result in differences in the shade of your teeth.
- How long does the whitening effect last?
The whitening effect depends on individual habits. Avoiding coloured drinks, smoking and maintaining oral hygiene can prolong the effect for up to two years.
- Does Beyond whitening hurt?
Whitening with the Beyond lamp is painless, although some patients may experience short-term tooth sensitivity after the procedure. These symptoms usually resolve within a few days.
- What are the alternatives to teeth whitening if I have a lot of artificial fillings?
If you have a lot of artificial fillings, an alternative may be to replace your old fillings, veneers or crowns with new ones that match your desired tooth shade. Consult your dentist to find the best solution for your smile.
