Can You Change the Color of Your Dental Crown After It's Bonded?

Q: Can You Change the Color of Your Dental Crown After It's Bonded?

Hello： If a full ceramic crown has already been permanently bonded, it cannot be fundamentally changed in color. <br>If you are truly dissatisfied with the color, it is recommended to remove it by breaking it and then remake a new one. <br>Additionally, extending the trial period

Color of front teeth braces

Hello Doctor, I recently had a porcelain crown placed on my front tooth, and I'm really troubled by the color.
It looked fine in the office, but after leaving the clinic, I feel like the color appears too white and gray.
Sometimes, depending on the angle, the shade seems noticeably different...
However, it has already been permanently bonded.
Is there any way to adjust the color? Thank you for your response.

Yue, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/11/17

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry

Hello: If a full ceramic crown has already been permanently bonded, it cannot be fundamentally changed in color.
If you are truly dissatisfied with the color, it is recommended to remove it by breaking it and then remake a new one.
Additionally, extending the trial period to ensure satisfaction before permanently bonding it is a safer approach.
Sincerely, Lin Chia-Yung, Department of Dentistry, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2021/11/17

More Info

Once a dental crown, particularly a porcelain crown, has been bonded to a tooth, it is generally not possible to change its color. The bonding process involves using a strong adhesive to secure the crown in place, making it a permanent fixture. If you are unhappy with the color of your crown, the most effective solution would be to remove the existing crown and fabricate a new one that better matches your natural teeth.
Color perception can be quite subjective and may vary under different lighting conditions and angles. This is particularly true for dental materials, which can appear differently in natural light compared to artificial light. When selecting the shade for a crown, dentists often use a shade guide to find the best match. However, once the crown is cemented, the color is fixed, and any discrepancies in appearance can be frustrating.

If you find yourself in this situation, it is advisable to consult with your dentist. They can assess the crown and discuss your concerns. If the color mismatch is significant and bothersome, they may recommend removing the crown. This process involves carefully breaking the bond and taking impressions again to create a new crown that matches your desired shade more closely.
In the future, to avoid such issues, it may be beneficial to extend the trial period before permanently bonding a crown. Many dentists allow patients to wear a temporary crown for a period, which can help in assessing the color and fit before finalizing the restoration. This way, you can ensure that you are satisfied with the appearance of the crown in various lighting conditions and angles.

Additionally, if you are considering other options for improving the aesthetics of your smile, you might want to explore teeth whitening treatments or other cosmetic dental procedures. However, keep in mind that whitening treatments typically do not affect the color of porcelain crowns, as they are not porous like natural teeth. Therefore, if you have existing crowns, whitening may not yield uniform results across your smile.

In summary, while changing the color of a bonded dental crown is not feasible, discussing your concerns with your dentist can lead to solutions that will help you achieve the smile you desire. If the color is a significant issue, replacing the crown is the most effective way to address your concerns. Always communicate openly with your dental care provider about your expectations and preferences to ensure the best possible outcome for your dental restorations.

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