Can Fake Teeth Be Whitened?

Celebrities aren't the only ones sporting pearly whites. If you are interested in cosmetic enhancement, make sure you know the facts before deciding if these treatments will work for you.

Identification

• Fake teeth can be in the form of veneers, crowns, partials or other types of composite bonds. They are typically made of acrylic or porcelain to look like your natural teeth, even if they are not composed of the same enamel.

Function

• The goal of any of whitening process is to lessen the dull, gray color of your teeth and brighten your smile. Most teeth gradually yellow over time from eating or drinking things that stain enamel, from smoking, or from a genetic predisposition.

Types

• Over-the-counter bleaching kits cost under $40 and work by attaching chemically enhanced strips or trays to your teeth. A dentist or other professional can administer a longer-lasting, though more expensive, bleaching treatment in an office.

Effects

• At-home whitening strips and trays do not whiten any types of fake teeth. They only work on your natural teeth. Whitening treatments performed by a dentist with higher-strength bleaching agents also do not change the color of any fake teeth, caps, veneers or crowns.

Alternatives

• Proper oral hygiene (consisting of brushing twice a day, flossing every day and using mouthwash) will prevent discoloration of your teeth. If you want to whiten your smile and you have fake teeth, talk to your dentist about possibly replacing the fake teeth.