Does Teeth Whitening Work on Fillings and Crowns?

If you’ve ever tried whitening your teeth at home or the dentist’s office, you might have noticed something odd, your natural teeth brighten up, but your fillings, crowns, or veneers stay the same color. So, does teeth whitening work on fillings and crowns?

The short answer: No, traditional teeth whitening treatments do not change the color of dental fillings, crowns, or veneers. Unlike natural teeth, which have pores that absorb whitening agents, these materials (usually porcelain or composite resin) do not respond to bleaching. If your natural teeth have brightened, but your restorations remain unchanged, the color difference can become noticeable.

So, what can you do if you want teeth whitening but have crowns or fillings? Let’s break it down.

Factor	Natural Teeth	Fillings & Crowns
Responds to Teeth Whitening?	✅ Yes	❌ No
Can Stain Over Time?	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Can Be Replaced for a Whiter Shade?	❌ No	✅ Yes
Needs Professional Adjustment?	❌ No	✅ Yes

If you want a brighter smile but have fillings or crowns, there are ways to achieve a whiter, more even look. Let’s dive deeper into why fillings and crowns don’t whiten and what you can do about it.

Why Don’t Fillings and Crowns Whiten Like Natural Teeth?

Teeth whitening treatments, whether professional or at home, rely on peroxide-based bleaching agents. These chemicals penetrate the enamel, breaking apart stains and brightening your teeth from the inside out.

But here’s the catch:

• Crowns, fillings, and veneers are made of non-porous materials like porcelain or composite resin.
• They don’t absorb bleaching agents like natural enamel does.

If you go ahead with teeth whitening treatments while having fillings or crowns, you may end up with a two-tone smile, your natural teeth get whiter, while your restorations stay the same.

Patient Experience:

“I tried an at-home teeth whitening kit before a big event, and my real teeth turned bright white while my front tooth filling stayed yellowish. I had no idea it wouldn’t match!”

If you want a uniformly white smile, don’t worry. You have options!

Best Solutions for a Whiter Smile with Fillings and Crowns

If traditional teeth whitening treatments won’t work on fillings and crowns, what can you do? Let’s explore the most effective solutions:

1. Replace Your Fillings or Crowns After Whitening

If your dental work no longer matches the shade of your natural teeth, the best long-term solution is whitening your natural teeth first and then replacing your restorations to match the new color.

How does the process work?

1. Professional whitening: You undergo a teeth whitening treatment to lighten your natural teeth to your desired shade.
2. Restoration replacement: Your dentist removes old fillings or crowns and replaces them with new ones that match your newly whitened teeth.

2. Consider Composite Bonding for Small Adjustments

If replacing your entire crown or filling isn’t an option, your dentist may be able to apply composite bonding to help blend the shade of your restorations with your natural teeth.

When is composite bonding a good choice?

• When you have small fillings in visible areas.
• When your crown is only slightly off in color but still in good condition.
• When you want a quick and less expensive fix compared to a full replacement.

Patient Experience:
“After my whitening treatment, my composite fillings looked darker than the rest of my teeth. My dentist suggested adding a thin layer of new composite resin, and now they match perfectly!”

3. Get Professional Polishing for Stains

Even though crowns and fillings won’t respond to whitening treatments, they can collect surface stains over time. If your dental work looks dull or discolored, a professional polishing session at the dentist’s office can help.

How does polishing help?

• Removes stains from coffee, tea, wine, and smoking.
• Brightens the surface of crowns and fillings.
• Helps maintain the look of your dental work without replacing it.

4. Upgrade to Whiter, Stain-Resistant Materials

If your current crowns or fillings look outdated or stained, upgrading to a better material can help keep your smile brighter in the long run.

Which materials are best for a whiter smile?

Material	Stain Resistance	Lifespan	Best for
Composite Fillings	Moderate	5-10 years	Small cavities, front teeth
Porcelain Crowns	High	10-15 years	Front and back teeth
Zirconia Crowns	Excellent	15+ years	Long-term stain resistance

Expert Insight:

“Many patients don’t realize that newer materials like zirconia are not only stronger but also stay white much longer than older porcelain crowns. If your crown is outdated, upgrading can make a huge difference.”

According to Healthline, teeth whitening is safe when done properly but can cause sensitivity, read more here.

What’s the Best Option for You?

The best solution depends on your current dental work and goals:

• If you want the brightest, most even smile → Replace old crowns or fillings after whitening.
• If your crown is slightly mismatched → Consider composite bonding.
• If your crown or filling looks stained → Get professional polishing.
• If your restorations are old or worn → Upgrade to stain-resistant zirconia or porcelain.

Are Some Fillings and Crowns More Resistant to Stains?

Type of Restoration	Whitening Response	Stain Resistance	Lifespan
Composite Fillings	❌ No	Moderate	5-10 years
Porcelain Crowns	❌ No	High	10-15 years
Zirconia Crowns	❌ No	Excellent	15+ years
Resin Veneers	❌ No	Moderate	5-7 years

Whether you need professional whitening, new restorations, or expert advice, our team is ready to help you achieve a stunning smile.

FAQs: Does Teeth Whitening Work on Fillings and Crowns?