Ceramic is a popular choice of material for dental crowns because of its strength and its ability to color-match your other teeth. Ceramic crowns resist stains and are opaque, so they are unlikely to discolor or yellow. But that does not mean they are impossible to stain. Your habits and other factors can lead to changes in appearance. Consistent choices in certain foods and drinks, your oral hygiene habits, and aging over time can change your ceramic crown color more than just the normal wear.
Ceramic is nonporous; it does not absorb color in the way that natural tooth enamel does. The chemicals in food, drinks, and tobacco do not discolor porcelain and ceramic because they do not penetrate the surface easily. However, the area around the crown may not look as clean due to tartar and plaque buildup around the edges where the ceramic crown meets your natural tooth.
Ceramic crowns may discolor yellow from extrinsic staining or surface staining. Coffee, tea, red wine, and soda can build a coating on the top of the ceramic, resulting in a yellow hue. Tobacco products can contribute to stains. These surface stains can be removed during a routine dental cleaning or thorough tooth brushing at home. Ceramics differ from natural enamel because they do not absorb pigments, so stains stay on the surface.
At home, oral hygiene habits are important for maintaining a white crown color and a healthy mouth. Build-up of plaque on the tooth or at the gumline can cause shadowing or yellow staining of the crown. Brushing and flossing regularly can also help keep the tissues around the post and the crown healthy.
The bonding agent, or the color of the dental cement, that the dentist uses to cement the crown in place, can lead to changes in color over time. The edges of the crown might show cement if your gumline recedes over time. The crown itself is not discolored, but the dentist will be able to recommend treatments during your regular exams.
Over time, the polished surface of the crown may start to have some abrasions, and this may affect the aesthetics. Abrasive toothpaste and excessive tooth grinding or jaw clenching can scratch the ceramic crown. Micro-scratches leave the ceramic porous and more susceptible to staining. Dentists can give you recommendations for gentle toothpastes, soft-bristle toothbrushes, or even a nightguard to minimize grinding.
If you notice your ceramic crown is showing signs of changing color, the dentist will be able to determine if professional polishing can fix the crown or if the crown needs to be replaced. Good oral hygiene and professional cleaning could keep the crown at nearly its original color. Ceramic crowns are less likely to discolor and keep their original color for years with proper care.
If you have more questions about ceramic crowns or how they could work as a part of your treatment plan to achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see if ceramic crowns are the best option for you.