You want a brighter smile. So you grab a box of teeth whitening strips from the drugstore, slap them on, and wait for the magic. But those strips don’t work on everything. And if you have veneers, crowns, or fillings, you might end up with a very uneven smile.
Let’s clear up the confusion. Here’s what actually works, what doesn’t, and how you could get the bright smile you want without the frustration.
The Short Answer: No, You Can’t Whiten Veneers or Crowns
Porcelain veneers and crowns are made from ceramic materials. They don’t respond to bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Those gels only work on natural tooth enamel.
So if you whiten your natural teeth with strips or trays, your veneers and crowns stay the same color. Suddenly, you’ve got brighter teeth next to restorations that look dull and yellow by comparison. Not exactly the look you were going for.
The same goes for tooth-colored fillings and dental bonding. They don’t whiten either.
What About Whitening Toothpaste?
Whitening toothpastes are a different animal. They don’t actually bleach your teeth. Instead, they use mild abrasives to scrub off surface stains from coffee, tea, or tobacco. They can make your natural teeth look a little brighter, but they won’t change the color of veneers or crowns either.
Plus, some whitening toothpastes can be too rough on porcelain. Over time, they can scratch the surface, making your restorations look dull or cloudy. Stick with a non-abrasive toothpaste recommended by your dentist.
Whiten First, Then Match
If you’re planning to get new veneers or crowns, whiten your natural teeth first. That way, Dr. Lazer can match your restorations to your new, brighter shade. Once your veneers or crowns are placed, they won’t change color, so your smile stays consistent.
Professional In-Office Whitening
If you have only natural teeth (no restorations), professional whitening at our Owings Mills office gives you the fastest, most dramatic results. We use stronger, safer bleaching agents than anything you can buy at the store. Plus, we protect your gums and monitor the process so you don’t end up with sensitivity or uneven results.
Replace Old Restorations
If you already have veneers or crowns that look dull compared to your natural teeth, whitening strips won’t fix that. Instead, you might consider replacing those restorations to match your current smile. It sounds like a big step, but Dr. Lazer can show you what’s possible.
What About Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips?
They work on natural teeth. They can brighten your smile by a shade or two. But they take time, they can cause sensitivity, and they don’t work on crowns or veneers.
If you do use them, check with us first. We’ll tell you if they’re safe for your particular teeth and what results you can realistically expect.
Why Professional Guidance Matters
Whitening isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works for your friend might not work for you, especially if you have restorations. That’s why a conversation with Dr. Lazer or Dr. Doroshenko makes all the difference.
During a complimentary cosmetic consultation, Dr. Lazer will examine your smile, ask about your goals, and recommend the right approach. Maybe you need in-office whitening. Maybe you’d benefit from a combination of whitening and new veneers. Or maybe you just need a good cleaning to remove surface stains.
He’ll tell you honestly what will work and what won’t. No pressure. Just straight talk.
Ready for a Brighter Smile?
Don’t waste money on products that won’t deliver. Come see us first. We’ll help you get the bright, confident smile you’re after, the right way.
Call us at (410) 697-6290 or schedule your complimentary consultation online. Let’s make your smile shine.