Does a dental crown become discolored over time?

Nowadays, dental crowns are considered an optimal solution to effectively address issues such as yellowed, discolored, or chipped teeth, helping to restore a bright and even smile. As a result, this method has become increasingly popular and trusted by many people. However, a common concern among patients is whether dental crowns become discolored over time. Let’s explore the detailed answer in the following content!j

Does getting dental crowns cause discoloration over time?

According to scientific studies, dental crowns are capable of maintaining their color over time and do not become yellowed like natural teeth. This is because the surface of natural enamel contains tiny pores that trap food particles and pigments, leading to discoloration over time.

In contrast, dental crowns are manufactured by firing porcelain at extremely high temperatures, resulting in a smooth, pore-free surface. As a result, they are largely resistant to staining from foods and beverages, helping them maintain their bright and durable appearance over time.

However, there are still cases where dental crowns become discolored or yellowed after placement, significantly affecting aesthetics. The main cause often stems from the use of low-quality crowns, where the material lacks sufficient purity and color stability. In addition to discoloration, these inferior crowns are also more prone to cracking or chipping, which can impact both appearance and chewing function.

What causes dental crowns to become discolored?

There are several common causes that can lead to dental crown discoloration:

Improper care of dental crowns

During use, inadequate oral hygiene can cause plaque and tartar buildup on the crowns. Over time, this can wear down the outer layer of the dental crown, creating tiny grooves and pores. These imperfections allow pigments from food and drinks to adhere more easily, leading to discoloration.

Gum recession exposing dental adhesive
Over time, the gums naturally age and recede, causing the roots of the teeth to become more exposed. When this happens, the adhesive layer bonding the crown to the tooth may also become visible. This adhesive is highly susceptible to staining from food and beverages during daily eating and drinking, leading to yellowing and negatively affecting the aesthetics of the smile.

Impact from trauma
If a dental crown experiences a strong force due to trauma or an accident, blood from the natural tooth inside may seep out, causing discoloration of the crown. In such cases, it is necessary to remove the old crown, clean and treat the underlying tooth, and replace it with a new crown to restore both aesthetics and chewing function.

Aging dental crowns
Although dental crowns are highly durable, low-quality crowns may gradually lose their original brightness and gloss over time. As the porcelain surface deteriorates, the crown may become dull and discolored, affecting the natural appearance of the smile.

How to take care of porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns

Brushing and rinsing are fundamental but extremely important steps in maintaining oral hygiene, especially for those with porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. However, not everyone performs these steps correctly.

It is recommended to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your teeth at least twice a day, even if your teeth and gums are in good condition. For individuals with porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, brushing should be done gently to avoid damaging the porcelain surface and to minimize the risk of wear.

In addition, do not forget to use a fluoride-containing mouthwash, swishing it around your mouth for about 60 seconds after brushing to help eliminate bacteria, prevent cavities, and control bad breath.

Next, use dental floss to clean between the teeth—areas that a regular toothbrush cannot reach. When flossing, gently insert the floss between each tooth and move it slowly back and forth to avoid harming or dislodging the dental crowns.

A healthy diet significantly impacts the condition of dental crowns. Due to the metal properties, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns have a lower sensitivity to temperature compared to natural teeth, so you need to be mindful of the temperature of food and drinks before consuming them to protect your crowns.

Additionally, incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables into your daily diet is essential. These foods not only provide vitamins but also help naturally clean your teeth. Specifically, you should avoid carbonated beverages as they contain high levels of acid, which can erode the tooth enamel and negatively affect oral health.

Moreover, stimulants such as tobacco, alcohol, and coffee should be limited or eliminated. These substances can cause yellowing of the crowns and detract from the aesthetic appearance of your smile. Furthermore, if you only brush your teeth without paying attention to overall oral care, the discoloration problem will worsen over time.

The method for whitening porcelain crowns that have discolored.

Porcelain crowns can discolor over time, especially when the material used is of low quality, leading to oxidation. In some cases, porcelain crowns may become stained by food or external factors, causing their color to become unnatural. In such cases, the most effective solution is to replace the old crowns with higher-quality options, such as full-ceramic crowns.

Full-ceramic crowns not only have excellent oxidation resistance and color stability but also possess superior stain resistance. This type of crown helps you maintain a bright smile for a long period. Additionally, full-ceramic crowns have good biocompatibility, helping to protect oral health and prevent any unwanted complications or risks.

To replace the old crowns, the dentist will remove the old porcelain crowns, thoroughly clean the teeth, and take impressions to send to the dental lab for crown design. Once the new crowns are ready, the dentist will fit them, giving you a bright and confident smile.

Come and experience aesthetic porcelain crowns at Lotus Smile Dental to feel the difference!
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