Do Ceramic Crowns Turn Yellow?
Dental crowns are a restoration used to both protect and strengthen a natural tooth that is damaged. A crown will improve the appearance of a tooth and help protect it from any further damage. They are most often made from ceramic or porcelain, and they are specifically designed to match the color of your surrounding natural teeth. Resin or metal crowns are also used but are more expensive. Dental crowns are placed on a broken or decayed tooth or a tooth that has been recently treated with a root canal. Crowns are also used to support a traditional dental bridge or to complete an implant placement.
Ceramic Crowns Do Not Turn Yellow
If your crown is ceramic and in good condition, it will not turn yellow. It is possible that something damaged the glaze on your crown which resulted in discoloration.
Since ceramic crowns are very color-stable, they cannot be bleached or whitened and must be returned to the lab. The process used to correct the shade of your crown will depend on how it was initially created.
Why Do New Dental Crowns Turn Yellow?
New dental crowns might turn yellow for a few reasons, such as not being ceramic, there is some damage to the surface, or damage during dental cleaning.
- Damage when adjusting the crown – If your dentist had to do some minor grinding to your crown to correct your bite, it could have damaged the final glaze. Or the lab may not have glazed it correctly.
- Damage during a dental cleaning – If your hygienist used a power instrument on your teeth that blasts them with sodium bicarbonate, it can damage the glaze. Or an acidulated fluoride treatment can etch the glaze and discolor the crown.
- Your crowns are not ceramic – Your dentist placed a composite crown instead of ceramic. You can ask for a copy of the lab certificate that documents the materials used.
Dental crowns are quite durable and long-lasting, but they are not always stain-proof. Instead, they are considered stain resistant. This is why it is essential to take diligent care of your teeth to avoid discoloration or staining.
A Simple Cleaning Will Help
Although most crowns are ceramic, if not, they will be more susceptible to staining. Porcelain crowns are not immune and may have a surface stain that needs some more attention than just brushing. Stains on a crown can be caused by acidic foods like tomatoes, cigarette smoke, or alcohol consumption.
These stains cannot be removed by regular brushing and flossing but more likely by a regular, professional dental cleaning. Your dentist has the tools to clean both your natural teeth and any crowns.
Treatment for Damaged Crowns and Teeth
Sometimes more intensive dental care might be needed, like a damaged crown and a weakened tooth beneath it. If the crown is indeed damaged, the treatment will be to replace it. The amount of attention that the natural tooth needs will vary, needing some cleaning to remove any stains caused by a leak. If the tooth beneath the damaged crown has considerable damage and decay it usually creates a gray appearance rather than a yellow one.