Will Professional Teeth Whitening Work on Veneers or Crowns?

We all love a white, bright smile. So, when tooth discoloration robs your smile of its sparkle, looking for whitening services comes to mind. Professional teeth whitening from Montclair Dental Care in Oakland, California, removes tooth stains to reveal a bright-looking smile. 

But what if you have crowns and veneers? Will teeth whitening work on these restorations? Can the whitening gel damage them? Dr. Kenneth Childers is here to explain everything you need to know about teeth whitening and existing dental work.

How does teeth whitening work?

Dr. Childers offers in-office and at-home teeth whitening for smile enhancement. Both methods use products that contain an active ingredient, hydrogen peroxide. When the whitening gel is applied to the teeth, it penetrates the enamel to reach the discolored molecules within.

On contact with the tooth-staining molecules, hydrogen peroxide breaks them down through oxidation. This process involves releasing oxygen molecules, which help to break apart the chemical bonds that create stains.

Teeth whitening doesn’t alter the enamel. Instead, the stains embedded in the enamel are broken down, paving the way for a bright appearance. 

Teeth whitening and dental restorations

Dental crowns and veneers are used to correct damaged and unattractive teeth. These restorations can enhance stubbornly discolored teeth and also change the shape, size, and structure of teeth. Crowns and veneers are made from porcelain, a life-like and durable material. 

Unlike natural enamel, porcelain material is impermeable, making it unresponsive to teeth-whitening products. Whitening material can’t penetrate stains within this material. However, just like porcelain is impervious to whitening products, the material is resistant to stains, ensuring a bright white smile for years.

Similarly, whitening products can’t damage your restorations at all. So, when your natural teeth lose their glow to discoloration, it’s safe to undergo teeth whitening even if you have veneers or crowns. 

What else should I know?

When whitening teeth with existing dental work, it’s easy to assume your teeth will appear whiter than your crowns or veneers. We avoid this mismatch by selecting crowns or veneers that closely match your natural teeth. The result is an even smile, making it challenging to distinguish veneers or crowns from natural teeth.

Professional teeth whitening near me

Could your teeth use teeth whitening services in Oakland, CA? Please call (510) 328-7792 to schedule an appointment with Montclair Dental Care. Count on us for a winning smile.

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