Dental implants are the absolute best way to replace lost teeth. They look beautiful, provide reliable function, and blend in seamlessly with the surrounding dentition. But will an implant prevent you from getting your teeth whitened? What should you do if one of your dental implant restorations looks a little discolored? This blog post provides important information that you should keep in mind.
Dental Implants Do Not Respond to Teeth Whitening
Natural teeth have a porous outer layer, known as enamel. Whitening agents can penetrate the enamel in order to break up pigment molecules, resulting in a smile that is several shades whiter.
Dental implant crowns, bridges, and dentures are made of porcelain or other materials. Unfortunately, they have a very different construction than natural teeth. Whitening agents cannot penetrate them to lift stains.
If you wish to get your teeth whitened, that should be fine as long as your implant is not toward the front of your mouth. Onlookers are unlikely to notice the color of your molars, so teeth whitening is likely to provide stunning and desirable results. On the other hand, if your implant is readily visible, you may end up brightening your natural teeth but not your prosthetic tooth; your smile could be mismatched!
Can Dental Implants Be Whitened?
Since dental implant restorations do not respond to regular whitening techniques, you may wonder if there is any way to make them brighter.
Your dental team may be able to polish away minor stains and improve the appearance of your crown. You can request this service at your next routine dental cleaning; many hygienists do this automatically. However, if your crown is significantly discolored, polishing might not be able to accomplish much. You might need to get it replaced.
Also, keep in mind that if you do not yet have a crown for your implant — or you know you will soon get your restoration replaced — you should consider getting your teeth whitened beforehand. Then, your new crown can be created to blend in with the new color of your natural dentition.
Consult Your Dentist to Achieve Your Aesthetic Goals
If you are unhappy with the color of your teeth — whether they are natural or prosthetic — talk to your dentist. They can explain your options and help you achieve a smile that you are proud to show off!
Meet the Practice
At Willow Run Dental Association, our team is proud to provide both in-office and take-home teeth whitening treatments. We also offer a comprehensive range of dental implant services. If you are interested in brightening your smile or replacing your lost teeth, we would be happy to answer your questions. Contact our Auburn, ME, office at 207-352-2825.