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.
Dental implants are restorations that dentists use to replace missing teeth. Patients interested in this treatment must determine if they are an ideal candidate for this procedure. Systemic health conditions such as low bone density can create challenges for dental surgery. The patient should disclose all health history concerns to the dental team. Together, the…
The process of getting dental implants is a series of smaller procedures that takes place over several appointments or several months. Some steps of preparation involve taking care of the physical body to respond appropriately to these procedures, and other steps are taken by the oral health professionals responsible for the treatment. The steps are…
The teeth are an essential part of the human body, which is why so many people turn to dental implants. Without enough teeth, it is harder for people to bite into and chew their food and harder to enunciate certain words when speaking. When many teeth are missing, the shape of the face will change,…
For many people, dental implants can be a permanent solution for dealing with lost or damaged teeth. This type of treatment is designed to last a lifetime. Once it is complete and healed, patients can enjoy a more beautiful smile without having to worry about any dietary changes, difficult home care, or unnatural-looking teeth.Dental implants…