Stains and Color Changes

All dental restorative materials can stain.  The amount of stain generally depends on oral hygiene as well as the consumption of coffee, tea, tobacco and some types of foods or medicines.  Dental porcelain usually stains less than natural tooth enamel and the stain can be removed at dental hygiene cleaning appointments.  Natural teeth tend to darken with time more so than porcelain crowns.  At the time a new dental porcelain crown or fixed bridge is placed, it may be an excellent color match with the adjacent natural teeth.  Over time, however; this may change and bleaching or other appropriate treatment may be suggested.