Can I Get My Teeth Whitened If I Have Fillings or Crowns?

Teeth whitening is a popular way to brighten your smile, but what if you have fillings, crowns, veneers, or dental bonding? Can these dental restorations be whitened along with your natural teeth? The short answer is: no. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve a whiter smile. Let’s break down how teeth whitening interacts with fillings and crowns—and what options you have for a more uniform, bright smile.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Professional and at-home teeth whitening treatments use bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break down stains and lighten natural enamel. These whitening agents penetrate the outer layer of your teeth to lift deep stains. However, dental restorations like fillings, crowns, and veneers are made from porcelain, resin, or composite materials, which do not react to whitening treatments the same way natural enamel does.

Will Whitening Treatments Affect My Fillings or Crowns?

No, whitening treatments will not change the color of your fillings, crowns, veneers, or bonded teeth. This means that if your natural teeth become whiter from a whitening treatment, your restorations may stand out and appear darker in comparison.

Here’s how different dental restorations respond to whitening:

• Fillings – Typically made of composite resin, which does not respond to bleaching.
• Crowns – Made from porcelain or ceramic, which retains its original shade.
• Veneers – Also porcelain-based and do not change color with whitening.
• Bonding – Composite material that remains the same color, even if surrounding teeth get lighter.

What Are My Options If I Have Fillings or Crowns?

If you want a whiter, more even smile but have dental restorations, consider the following options:

1. Whiten First, Then Replace Restorations

If you’re considering getting a crown, veneer, or filling, it’s best to whiten your teeth first. After reaching your desired shade, your dentist can match your new restorations to your whitened teeth for a seamless look.

2. Replace Old or Stained Restorations

If you have older crowns or fillings that no longer match your natural teeth, you can discuss with your dentist the possibility of replacing them with a shade that better complements your whitened teeth.

3. Professional Cleaning and Polishing

Sometimes, dental restorations appear darker not because they have changed color, but because they have accumulated stains on the surface. A professional cleaning or polishing by your dentist may help restore their original brightness.

4. Consider Alternative Whitening Options

If traditional whitening isn’t an option, you might explore cosmetic solutions like dental bonding, veneers, or even replacing older restorations with whiter materials.

How to Maintain a Whiter Smile with Fillings or Crowns

Even if you can’t whiten restorations, you can still keep your smile bright by:

• Brushing twice a day with a non-abrasive, whitening toothpaste.
• Flossing daily to prevent plaque buildup around restorations.
• Avoiding stain-causing foods and drinks like coffee, red wine, and berries.
• Rinsing your mouth with water after consuming dark-colored foods.
• Visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups.

Final Thoughts: Can You Still Get a Whiter Smile?

Yes! While fillings, crowns, and veneers won’t whiten with bleaching treatments, there are still ways to achieve a brighter, more even smile. Whether it’s through whitening your natural teeth first, replacing old restorations, or keeping up with good oral hygiene, you have options to enhance your smile.

If you’re unsure about your best approach, consult with your dentist to create a customized plan for a whiter, more confident smile!