Do Dental Crowns Stain Like Natural Teeth?

Porcelain is a type of ceramic, a dense, non-porous material that is highly resistant to staining. While natural teeth have microscopic holes where pigments can accumulate, porcelain has a smooth, sleek surface that repels stains. Given that pigments usually don’t penetrate the restoration, tooth brushing may suffice to keep dental crowns looking white.

What Causes Staining on Porcelain Crowns 

Porcelain boasts remarkable durability, but certain factors can promote stains or discoloration:

1. Abrasive toothpaste. A dental crown is shielded by a protective outer glaze that increases stain resistance. You can eventually damage it by vigorous brushing or using highly abrasive toothpaste, making it more susceptible to stains and wear.
2. Margin exposure. As time goes by, the gum tissue can recede, revealing the crown’s “margin” — the line marking the boundary between a crown and a natural tooth. Frequently made from a different material, it is more prone to staining.
3. Colored foods and drinks. Does coffee stain crowns? One cup won’t cause immediate stains but persistent consumption of this fragrant drink can contribute to crown discoloration. Red wine, tea, and curry also fall into the category.
4. Acidic foods and beverages. Citrus fruits, vinegar, and soda can wear down the protective glaze of your crown. Rinse your mouth with water each time you consume something acidic to diminish the risk.
5. Using your teeth as tools. If you leverage your teeth for package opening and the like, your crown can crack. 
6. Hard foods. You can damage your crown by chewing on hard candies, ice, popcorn kernels, and other hard foods. 
7. Smoking. Tobacco can color your crown with a residue that can be challenging to eliminate.

These factors won’t make your teeth black but can cause minor surface stains. Though you can always have professional teeth cleaning, it’s better to prevent problems than deal with their consequences.

How to Keep Your Crowns Looking White

Can crowns change color? This question might awaken your curiosity but don’t rush to test their resilience to discolorations. Treat dental crowns as your natural teeth to keep them looking white: 

1. Maintain thorough oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Floss regularly to remove food particles and use a fluoride rinse to boost your cleaning routine. 
2. Avoid pigmented foods and drinks. Though you can’t completely omit them, try to limit their consumption and rinse your mouth with water after meals.
3. Give up smoking. This is a must to keep your crowns white.
4. Attend regular dental cleanings. Schedule professional cleanings no less than twice a year to eliminate deep stains on your artificial teeth.

Can Whitening Treatments Work on Dental Crowns? 

To understand how to get stains off porcelain crowns, it’s vital to consider different alternatives:

1. Over-the-counter whitening kits. The outer glazing on porcelain crowns is resistant to stains, and your natural teeth have a porous nature, so at-home teeth whitening might result in different shades of your teeth. A dental crown may stand out in color and become more visible, so we recommend seeking another solution. Besides, it’s fairly easy to damage a crown with harsh chemicals.
2. In-office teeth whitening. A professional dentist uses a wide arsenal of methods to remove stains from crowns, from a diamond paste to tooth-friendly Zoom whitening. Sometimes, a capped tooth may require prior treatment, or the restoration might need replacement. A well-trained doctor with years of expertise will take essential precautions so that your natural teeth match your porcelain restorations.

In the majority of cases, a professional cleaning can revive the crown’s original look. A dentist may offer to replace the crown when the protective glaze is significantly worn out or the stain is severe.

Glazy Look Possible!

Porcelain crowns are indispensable if you want to restore your original tooth functionality and look but have an allergy to metal or zirconia crowns. Porcelain offers outstanding strength and resistance to discoloration, but if you ask: “Do crowns stain?” we would not deceive you. Yes, it happens, but you should smoke like a chimney, drink three cups of coffee a day, and use soda-enriched toothpaste to make all the stars align.

If you care for your teeth properly and regularly visit a dental office for a professional checkup, you can preserve the artificial tooth whiteness for years. If you have a minor discoloration on the crown surface, our Forest Hills dentistry specialists can help you come out of this situation with honor. Contact us if you have any crown-related concerns, and we will figure out the best solution for you. 

Can Crowns Stain: Most Common Questions

Additional Resources 

• Explore the numerous benefits of porcelain crowns, described at a Genesis Scientific Publication platform.

If you want a comprehensive comparison of all-ceramic and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, read this scientific review.