Do Ceramic Crowns Turn Yellow?
Dental crowns are commonly used to restore teeth which have sustained damage. Crowns can be used for various reasons including restoring the tooth’s function, protecting a damaged tooth, and covering cosmetic flaws. Crowns can start showing signs of wear and experience discoloration or yellowing over time. There are different things which can cause damage or discoloration. Fortunately, some of the causes can be corrected or reversed.
In the event a crown is damaged, it can also result in damage to the underlying natural teeth. Cases of discoloration can be caused by the accumulation of plaque and debris on the teeth which often results in the crown turning yellow. This type of discoloration cannot be reversed with regular brushing and flossing.
Professional Cleaning
Crowns are commonly made of porcelain or ceramic. There are other materials used for crowns which can be more susceptible to staining and discoloration. Porcelain and ceramic are typically resistant to discoloration, but it can happen. When a patient has tough stains on the surface of their crown, it often cannot be removed with brushing at home. Other things which can cause crown staining include highly acidic foods, alcohol, and smoking cigarettes.
Tough stains may not be able to be properly with regular brushing and flossing. The good news is that these stains are typically on the surface of the crown and can be resolved with a professional cleaning. Dental professionals have special tools which can remove stains and clean the crown without causing any damage. In many cases, professional cleanings restore the crown’s white color to eliminate any yellowing.
Whitening
If a patient completes a whitening treatment, they may notice their crown starts to appear yellow or darker in color. While the color of the crown didn’t actually change, the color of the surrounding teeth has changed. The crown may no longer match the color of the natural teeth after patients undergo whitening. Some dental professionals will encourage patients to complete whitening before receiving their crown to avoid this situation.
Below is a summary of things which can cause a new crown to turn yellow.
Other Materials
It is possible for crowns to be made from a material other than ceramic or porcelain. Crowns which are made from composite materials are more likely to experience a change in color. It is important for patients to work with their dentist to determine the material for their crown and review the advantages and disadvantages of each option. The susceptibility to discoloration is one important factor to consider.
Adjustments
It is possible for the surface of the crown to be damaged when the dentist makes adjustments. When placing a crown, the dentist makes modifications in order to achieve the shape, size, and fit. These adjustments can cause damage to the outside surface or exterior glaze of the tooth. Another possible cause of a yellow crown is if the lab does not properly glaze the crown when it is fabricated.
Cleaning
A crown can also be damaged as the result of a professional cleaning. This can happen when power cleaning instruments are used with certain cleaning compounds. The crown’s glaze can be particularly susceptible to damage. There are also some types of fluoride treatments which can damage the crown’s surface and cause yellowing.
Call the dentist right away if you have a crown which is starting to turn yellow, or you start noticing discoloration. The dentist can examine the crown and determine the cause of the issue. Crowns are an expensive restoration which should last for many years when they are properly cared for.