I damaged my front tooth in a fall and now need a dental crown. I would like to touch up my teeth whitening before I get the crown. Are there any tips for how long I should bleach each day to get them back where they were a couple of years ago? Also, should there be a space between the time I whiten and the when I get the crown made?
Lottie
Dear Lottie,
The answer to your first question has some variables to it. The answer really depends on how white you want them, how stained they are and how long you can bleach each day comfortably. There is not really a limit on how white your teeth can get. The bottom line is the longer you wear the teeth whitening gel each day, the faster your teeth will get to the level of teeth whitening you want.
For example, if you can wear the whitening gel overnight, you may only need to bleach your teeth for a week or so, depending on how white you wanted them. However, if you can only wear the gel for thirty minutes a day, it may take you several weeks. If you know you have sensitive teeth that require you to do this a little at a time, I’d plan on a longer time period.
Your second question is easier to answer. I would give between one and two weeks from the time you finish whitening your teeth to the time you have the crowns made. This is because your teeth will continue to whiten during that period of time, even after you stop using the bleaching gel. Teeth whitening works by the peroxide gel releasing bubbles of oxygen in your teeth. This is what removes the stains.
Crowns on Front Teeth
The one thing that worries me about your case is you said you need the dental crown on a front tooth. Only about 3% of cosmetic dentists are able to match a crown on a single front tooth, even then it often takes several try-ins. Make sure your dentist is willing to place the crown first with a temporary try-in paste and allow you to look at it in several different types of lighting. If you are not completely satisfied with the match, he should send it back to the lab.
If he is unwilling to do this, you are better off looking for an expert cosmetic dentist to do this porcelain crown. I would recommend you get an AACD accredited dentist. They have proven training, skills, and artistry.
This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.