If you’ve had your dental implants for a while, you might have noticed that they’ve dulled over time. Even though the crowns attached to your implants are stain-resistant, they can still lose their luster due to dark pigments. So, what is the solution? Can you brighten your implants with teeth whitening treatments? Read on to learn whether this cosmetic procedure can restore your dental implants to their former glory.
Can I Whiten My Dental Implants?
While you can still undergo teeth whitening treatment if you have dental implants, the restorations themselves will be unaffected. Natural teeth are porous in structure, which means they’re covered in microscopic holes. These are what allow them to trap the pigments in whatever you eat and drink.
However, this is also why only they can be treated with whitening gel. During the procedure, chemicals like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide enter your enamel through its pores, removing stain-causing particles. Dental implant restorations don’t have pores, which is what makes them so stain-resistant.
How Can I Brighten My Dental Implants?
Patients that haven’t had their dental implant surgery yet can have teeth whitening first and have their crown color matched to a lighter shade. If you’ve had your dental implants for a while, the best thing to do is reach out to your dentist and discuss your options.
You may be able to undergo teeth whitening, have new restorations matched to your smile, and then have them switched. This versatility is one of the many benefits of your implants! They allow you to repair or replace damaged or worn crowns, bridges, or dentures without going through the surgery again.
Keeping Your Smile Bright
After brightening your grin, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups to keep it from fading. Be sure to brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and floss nightly to remove plaque. In addition, keep water handy whenever you have a meal or want to drink something like coffee or black tea. Rinsing with water is an easy way to keep the pigments from sticking to your smile.
So, while you can’t whiten your dental implants with normal treatments, you’re not out of luck! If you’re not satisfied with the shade of your teeth, call your dentist today for a consultation. They can offer personalized guidance and help you achieve a dazzling smile to enhance your confidence.
About the Practice
Dr. Alan Sasson and Dr. Avi Shainhouse are your talented and knowledgeable dental team at Boston Smile Center. Together they perform a wide range of dental services, creating customized treatment plans to meet the needs of every patient. Whether you want to brighten your smile or replace missing teeth, they have the technology and the skills to help. Call (617) 739-1017 to schedule a consultation or visit the website to see a full menu of other services they provide.