Do Ceramic Crowns Turn Yellow?
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a popular treatment option for restoring damaged teeth. There are numerous uses for crowns which can help protect a damaged tooth, restore the function of the tooth, and also help conceal cosmetic issues. Over time, crowns can start to experience discoloration and start showing signs of wear. Damage and discoloration can be caused by various things, some of which can be corrected.
When a crown is damaged, the natural tooth below the crown can also be damaged. Infection and discoloration may be caused by debris and plaque which accumulates on the teeth. This is often the cause for crowns to become yellow or discolored. Brushing and flossing unfortunately cannot reverse this type of discoloration on the crown.
Professional Cleaning
It is common for a crown to be made of porcelain. Other materials can also be used which are more likely to experience discoloration and staining. While discoloration is less likely with porcelain, it is possible. Tough surface stains on the crown may require removal beyond routine brushing. Foods which are highly acidic, alcohol, and cigarettes can also be the culprit for staining on a crown.
In many cases, these tough stains cannot be resolved with brushing and flossing at home. Fortunately, they are often superficial and a professional cleaning at the dentist can effectively remove the discoloration on the crown. The dental professional has special tools to effectively clean the crown and natural teeth without causing damage. A professional cleaning is often effective in restoring the white color of the crown.
Whitening
Patients who complete whitening treatment on their teeth may notice the crown looks darker or yellow. This is actually due to the surrounding teeth being white compared to the crown. It is possible that the crown simply no longer matches the color of the natural teeth following a whitening treatment.
Crown Yellowing
In cases when a patient has a new dental crown which has turned yellow, this can be caused by the following reasons.
A crown may be made from a material other than ceramic. Crowns made from a composite material are more likely to change color compared to porcelain or ceramic. Patients should work with the dentist to determine which material will best meet their needs. Some materials have advantages over other materials but can be more likely to experience discoloration over time.
When the dentist adjusts the crown, the crown’s surface can experience damage. The dentist will modify the crown to achieve the proper fit. This puts the crown at risk for damaging the glaze or outside surface. It is also possible that the lab failed to properly glaze the crown during the fabrication process.
Another possibility is that the crown was damaged during a professional cleaning. If power cleaning instruments are used on a crown with certain cleaning compounds, the glaze of the crown can be susceptible to damage. Certain types of fluoride treatments can also etch the glaze on the crown and cause discoloration or a yellow color.
Dental crowns are expensive and should last for up to 15 years or more. Follow up with the dentist if you have a yellow crown or are starting to notice discoloration. The dentist can determine the cause and review your treatment options.