Hello,

I don’t think that teeth whitening will whiten my crowns, but I read online that some toothpaste brands will help brighten veneers. Will you tell me if Supersmile toothpaste works for veneers and porcelain crowns? Thanks. Terri

Terri,

Your question has two parts: whitening cosmetic dental work and toothpaste that is safe to use on it.

Can You Whiten Cosmetic Dental Work?

Cosmetic dental work, including ceramic crowns and porcelain veneers, cannot be whitened. The dental materials are colorfast. The same is true with dental composites. You cannot whiten it. Although you can use teeth whitening products if you have cosmetic dental work, only your natural teeth will get brighter. The cosmetic work will stay the same shade.

If you need new cosmetic work and want to whiten your natural teeth, ask your dentist for teeth whitening first. Your dentist will ensure your new crowns or veneers will match the shade of your natural teeth.

What Kind of Toothpaste Is Safe for Cosmetic Dental Work?

Supersmile toothpaste is safe for cosmetic dental work. Most toothpaste is abrasive and can scratch the surface of porcelain veneers or ceramic crowns—but not Supersmile. It will help keep your dental restorations white.

Will Supersmile Toothpaste Whiten Crowns or Veneers?

Supersmile toothpaste will keep your crown or veneers white, but it won’t make them a lighter shade. But your question seems to be about whitening your dental crowns. Toothpaste will not whiten crowns that are already dark. Depending on the cause of stains in your crowns or veneers, a cosmetic dentist can polish them. But if your dental crowns are old, worn, or have a metal foundation, polishing won’t work.

We recommend scheduling an appointment with an advanced cosmetic dentist to examine your crowns. It might be time to replace them, but the dentist will explain your options.

Miranda Lacy, DDS, a Plano, TX, female dentist, sponsors this post.