If you have had tooth implants for a while, you may begin to notice discoloration, depending on the type of material used to make the implant crown. Usually, with more expensive options like zirconia, there should be minor or no discoloration, but cheaper options like plastic or composite may start to change color. If an implant crown gets stained, the only choice is to get a new crown.
Unfortunately, the truth is that conventional whitening methods do not work on tooth implants because the materials used for implants are not the same as natural enamel. Whitening toothpaste works by gently scratching the surface of the enamel to remove surface stains. If whitening toothpaste is used on acrylic dental implants, it would abrade the plastic and make it even more prone to staining. The plastic would be compromised, allowing stains to affect the crown. Professional whitening methods will have the same adverse effects.
Like almost everything in life, research is important before paying for tooth implants. The investment is huge and should be taken seriously. It is advisable not to take shortcuts when it comes to implants, due to the purpose they serve. The natural teeth perform many functions daily, which means implants made from low-quality materials will not last.
Patients seeking dental implants should ensure they receive high-quality restorations. Choosing cheap implant options is the same as choosing a temporary or short-term implant. Sooner or later, the patient will eventually end up in the dental chair again.
It is not possible to whiten dental implants. Teeth bleaching methods only work on natural teeth. The restoration used for dental implants is often made from porcelain. Also, implants themselves are highly resistant to stains, so they will not become discolored. Ideally, those undergoing a dental implant restoration procedure should have had their teeth whitened before getting porcelain crowns on the implants.
Some dental laboratories may be able to transform the color of an implant crown. However, it is usually to darken the material. It would be hard to make the crown look whiter because the color is baked in. Also, adding a porcelain veneer over the implant crown will not work as well. It will look awkward and probably not function properly.
The options for whitening are limited, but there is a way to improve the smile’s appearance. After teeth whitening for natural teeth, patients will need to replace the crowns on their implants as well. The new crowns will be customized to fit the rest of the teeth. Note that this does not mean undergoing the entire dental implant procedure all over again. Only the crowns will need to change. The posts and screws embedded in the jawbone will remain intact.
While traditional whitening methods do not work on tooth implants or their restorations, there are ways to improve the appearance of your smile. If it is time to replace the restoration, our dental team can walk you through the process. Call our Colorado Springs office today to learn more or to schedule a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://fielddentalcenter.com or call Field Dental Center at (719) 362-5777 for an appointment in our Colorado Springs office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Tooth Implants in Colorado Springs, CO.
Addressing the space left behind after an extraction is essential, as leaving it untreated can lead to a multitude of functional and aesthetic challenges. A dental bridge is an appliance, one of four types, that effectively addresses each challenge by filling the space, leaving you with a complete and functional smile. This causes a ripple…
There are several things to consider as you try to find a cosmetic dentist who can improve your oral health and give you a radiant smile you have always wanted.As you search for a dentist who can perform cosmetic surgery, it is important to research their credentials and areas of expertise. This information should be…
A cosmetic dentist provides several treatments that can give teeth a makeover. Those looking to improve the appearance and restore full functionality to the teeth have multiple options available, depending on the condition of the teeth and one’s general oral health. Appearance can have a significant impact on one’s self-confidence, and a teeth makeover is…
A misaligned tooth structure can severely impact how you view your smile. Traditional braces are one of the most common and trusted appliances dentists use to provide a smile makeover for those with structure abnormalities. This approach can help you permanently achieve an aligned smile and improve your oral health.Almost everyone is an ideal candidate…