Dental Crowns
Crowns, porcelain veneers and bonding can also be used to whiten teeth, although these procedures are normally used for structural work. If you have a single tooth that requires some minor or major structural work in addition to whitening, you may consider one of these three options.
How Dental Crowns Work
Dental crowns are like white cups that encase the entire tooth, ending just above the gum line. (Veneers only cover the front of the tooth, while bonding reshapes teeth.) If you need to rebuild broken and decayed teeth, you might be a candidate for using crowns to help whiten your teeth, as well.
Because of their complexity, crowns are completed entirely at the dentist’s office. Because part of the process includes trimming away a significant amount of tooth, crowns are not generally used for purely cosmetic purposes. Compared with veneers, crowns have greater durability, and for this reason are often used for people who have problems with grinding their teeth.
In these photos from smilesessentials.com, you can see how crowns
can both structurally and cosmetically improve teeth
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Crowns can last between 10 and 15 years, and their white color usually remains as long as you keep them clean. However, sometimes crowns can recede from the gum line, revealing a gray edge. Usually, crowns will stay white while the surrounding teeth fade, requiring whitening for the other teeth. Also keep in mind that once you get a crown for a tooth, that tooth will always require a dental crown, which means they have to be replaced about every decade or so.
Dental Crowns Cost
Crowns are one of the most expensive ways to have whiter teeth, partly because they’re intended primarily for structural use. Crowns cost between $600 and $3,000 per tooth, with the price varying on several factors, including the area you live in. Most dental insurance will cover these corrective procedures. However, in general, corrective procedures such as crowns, veneer and bonding require that you pay a greater portion than you do for preventative maintenance procedures.
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