Crowns are a popular dental restoration option that can improve the appearance and restore the function of damaged or decayed teeth. Made from materials like porcelain or ceramics, they are known for their durability and ability to mimic the look of natural tooth enamel. However, many people are concerned about whether porcelain crowns stain over time. In this blog post, we will explore the likelihood of crown staining, how discoloration occurs, and what you can do to prevent it. By understanding the causes and taking the right steps, you can keep your dental crowns looking their best and maintain a bright, white smile.
Do Dental Crowns Stain?
Dental crowns can be made from various materials, including porcleain-fused-to-metal, all-ceramic, and metal crowns. Porcelain-fused-to-metal and all ceramic crowns are more resistant to staining than natural teeth. However, many porcelain crowns become stained over time due to various factors. While the porcelain surface of your crown is durable, it is not entirely immune to discoloration. Foods like coffee and red wine, known to stain teeth, can also cause minor surface stains on porcelain crowns. Although these stains usually do not penetrate the porcelain unless it is damaged or cracked, the appearance of your dental crowns can still be affected. Regular professional dental cleaning can help remove these surface stains and keep your crowns looking their best.
Temporary crowns, often made of acrylic, are more prone to staining compared to all ceramic and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. The material used in temporary crowns is not stain-resistant, so they can become discolored more easily.
What Causes Porcelain Crowns To Stain?
Porcelain crowns are a popular choice for dental restorations because they are made of a highly durable material that closely resembles natural teeth. However, despite their durability, dental crowns may still get stained over time. Here are some common factors that contribute to dental crown staining:
- Loss of protective glaze: The protective glaze on porcelain crowns helps prevent stains and discoloration. However, using abrasive toothpaste or your porcelain restoration as an opening tool can wear down this glaze. Once the protective glaze is lost, the porcelain becomes more susceptible to discoloration over time, especially when consuming highly pigmented foods and beverages. Regular dental care and using non-abrasive toothpaste can help maintain the integrity of this glaze.
- Cracks and damage to porcelain: When crowns are chipped or cracked, the margin of the porcelain becomes exposed. This damage allows substances to penetrate the surface, causing discoloration. In the case of porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, a chipped crown with exposed metal can result in a dark color where the metal structure shows through. To prevent such damage, avoid using your teeth as a tool and ensure regular dental checkups to detect and repair any issues early.
- Poor oral hygiene: Not brushing your teeth twice daily or flossing regularly can lead to the buildup of bacteria and plaque. This buildup can cause stains on crowns and other dental issues. It’s essential to use good toothpaste and maintain regular dental care routines to prevent this.
- Certain foods and drinks: Consuming pigmented foods like coffee, tea, and dark-colored sauces can cause dental crowns to become stained. These foods and beverages are known to stain teeth and can similarly affect porcelain crowns.
- Tobacco use: Smoking or using other tobacco products can lead to tar and nicotine buildup on the surface of your crown. This can cause dental crowns to develop a yellowish-brown discoloration.
Are Crowns Stain Permanent?
The good news is that, in most cases, dental crown stains are not permanent. Dental crowns are made of porcelain, a highly durable material for dental restorations that resists staining better than natural teeth. Most surface stains can be removed with professional cleanings. Regular visits to your dentist are essential to maintain the appearance of your crowns and surrounding teeth. If you practice good dental care and schedule cleanings regularly, your crowns can last a long time while looking bright and white.
However, if the staining is deeper and more significant, you may need to have your crowns re-glazed or replaced. Factors like consuming pigmented foods and beverages can cause more persistent stains that may require professional intervention. Porcelain polishing can sometimes restore the crown’s surface, but in some cases, re-glazing may be necessary to restore the color of your teeth.
If the crowns have been severely damaged or cracked, stains may be more difficult to remove. In such instances, crown replacement might be necessary. Porcelain crowns are durable, but they can still be damaged by various dental issues.
Methods to Remove Stains from Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain dental crowns are a popular choice for restoring damaged teeth due to their durability and natural appearance. However, despite being highly resistant to stains compared to natural teeth, they can still become discolored over time. Here are some effective methods to remove stains from porcelain crowns and keep them looking bright:
- Professional teeth cleaning: Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining both your natural teeth and crowns. Professional teeth cleaning at a dental office can effectively remove surface stains from porcelain or ceramic crowns. During these visits, dental hygienists use specialized tools and techniques to clean your teeth thoroughly, ensuring your crowns remain stain-free.
- Porcelain polishing: If your crowns have developed stains that are difficult to remove through regular cleaning, your dentist may recommend porcelain polishing. This procedure involves using specific polishing agents and tools designed for porcelain dental crowns. Polishing can help restore the smooth surface of porcelain, making it more resistant to future stains.
- Re-glazing: In some cases, deeper stains may require re-glazing the crown. This process involves sending the porcelain crown to the dental laboratory and applying a new layer of glaze to the crown’s surface, effectively sealing it and restoring its original color. Re-glazing is particularly useful for porcelain veneers and porcelain fused to metal crowns, as these types of crowns are highly susceptible to staining when the glaze wears off.
- Replacing the crown: When stains are too severe or the crown is damaged, replacement may be the best option. A new crown can restore the appearance and function of your tooth. The dentist will take dental impressions for the fabrication of a new custom-made porcelain dental crown to match your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless blend with your smile.
Why Dental Crowns Appear Darker After Teeth Whitening?
Sometimes, dental crowns may appear darker after teeth whitening. This usually happens because the whitening process lightens the color of natural teeth, while crowns remain the same shade. Unlike natural teeth, crowns cannot be whitened. This color difference can make crowns appear darker than before, especially if they are on the front teeth or are part of a smile line.
Whitening treatments only affect natural teeth, so any existing dental work, such as veneers and porcelain crowns, will not change color. This is because the crown material, often porcelain or ceramic, does not react to the bleaching agents used in teeth whitening treatments. As a result, after whitening, there can be a noticeable contrast between the newly brightened natural teeth and the unchanged color of the crowns.
To address this issue and keep your teeth looking uniform, consider the following options:
- Replacing or adjusting Crowns: If the color difference is significant, you might want to replace your crowns to match your newly whitened teeth. Discuss with your dentist the best approach for adjusting the shade of your porcelain fillings.
- Whitening before crown placement: If you’re planning to get crowns or other dental work, whiten your teeth first. This way, your new crowns can be matched to your desired tooth shade, ensuring a consistent color.
How To Prevent Dental Crowns Staining & Damage?
To protect dental crowns from staining and damage, it is crucial to practice good oral hygiene habits.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly. This helps prevent plaque buildup and keeps both natural teeth and crowns clean.
- Quit smoking: Smoking and using other forms of tobacco can cause stains on crowns and natural teeth. Quitting can significantly improve the appearance of your smile and your overall health.
- Regular dental visits: Schedule check-ups with your dentist regularly to ensure your crowns are in good condition and to address any potential issues early. Professional cleanings can help maintain the appearance of your crowns.
- Avoid using teeth as tools: Do not use your teeth to open packages or bite down on hard objects. This can cause damage to the crowns and natural teeth.
- Consider protective measures: If you grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about getting a mouthguard to protect your crowns from damage.
By following these tips, you can prevent your dental crowns from becoming stained and damaged, ensuring they last longer and continue to look like natural teeth. Maintaining good dental hygiene and regular dental visits are key to preserving the health and appearance of your dental restorations.
Conclusion: Do Crowns Stain
Porcelain dental crowns are a popular and highly durable solution for restoring damaged teeth. While they are more resistant to staining than natural teeth, porcelain crowns can still become stained over time. Understanding the causes of staining and taking preventive measures can help maintain the appearance of your crowns.
Crowns can stain due to a variety of dental factors, including poor oral hygiene, consumption of pigmented foods and beverages, and smoking. Cracks or damage to the crowns can also lead to staining, especially if the underlying material becomes exposed. To prevent staining, it’s essential to practice good dental health habits. Brush and floss your teeth twice a day, and be mindful of the foods and habits that can contribute to discoloration. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for catching any issues early and keeping your crowns in good condition.
If your dental crowns become stained, there are effective methods to remove the stains. Professional cleanings, porcelain polishing, and, in some cases, re-glazing or replacing the crowns can restore their appearance. By visiting your dentist regularly and following a diligent oral hygiene routine, you can ensure your crowns last and continue to look their best.
Porcelain dental crowns are custom-made caps that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing solution. With proper care and maintenance, you can keep your dental crowns and prevent staining, maintaining a bright and healthy smile.
