Can You Whiten Dental Implants?

If you recently got dental implants or are planning on getting them soon, you are probably thrilled about your new smile. Implants provide many benefits for your oral health and self-esteem. You no longer have to deal with a toothless smile or struggling to chew because of the gaps in your mouth. What about the natural teeth in your mouth? If you are unhappy with their color, you may wonder whether you can whiten them and the artificial teeth. It is helpful to know the answers to these questions.

A description of dental implants

Implants come in three parts: the titanium posts, the abutment, and the crown. The post is a longer, screw-like piece that the dentist places deep into the jaw. The patient cannot continue the process until the surgery site has healed and the post has fused well with the jawbone. Once this happens, the dentist can attach the abutment to the post. On top of this goes the crown, which will be a natural-looking tooth, similar to the other teeth in color, shape, and size.

The benefits of implants

People with missing teeth can face negative consequences to both their health and self-image. It can be embarrassing to have large gaps in the mouth. People with missing teeth may avoid social settings. It can be difficult to eat and speak when a person has missing teeth. Dental implants can solve these issues by replacing the teeth and restoring their chewing ability. Implants are also durable and long-lasting.

To whiten or not whiten implants

Teeth whitening continues to be a popular cosmetic procedure for adults of all ages. In-office, take-home, and store-bought methods can all be effective in removing ugly stains and brightening smiles. The process works because of hydrogen peroxide, which penetrates the affected tooth and breaks down the discoloration. Teeth-whitening treatment can produce almost immediate results and can last for several years.

Some people who get dental implants notice that the crowns may begin to stain along with the natural teeth. However, bleaching and whitening treatments do not work on implants. The reason is that the crown is made of ceramic or porcelain (or sometimes metal), which does not adhere to the same whitening process. The good news is that these materials are highly stain-resistant, so they should not stain nearly as readily as the natural teeth.

Keeping the implants white

The crown portion of dental implants will stay busy and work hard. The crowns will chew food just like regular teeth. To keep the crowns looking nice, the patient should continue to brush and floss every day. A person with crowns should use a soft-bristled brush and a fluoride-based toothpaste. Also, avoiding beverages such as cola, coffee, and wine can help ensure that the crowns stay nice and white.

Keep those teeth looking gorgeous

If you are concerned about the color of your teeth, whiten them before you get dental implants. The same whitening techniques will not be effective with implants. However, if you work hard to keep up on regular brushing and dental appointments, the crowns should stay white and beautiful. Call your dentist today if you have concerns about your implants.

Request an appointment here: https://www.drelloway.com or call Randal S. Elloway DDS, Inc at (530) 527-6777 for an appointment in our Red Bluff office.

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