You’ve invested in dental implants and couldn’t be happier with your results. As the years pass, you’re still amazed by how beautiful they look. But all that changes when, one day, you notice they look less dazzling and more dull. Will teeth whitening bring them back to life? With natural teeth, you can expect sparkling results, but does this cosmetic treatment do the same for dental implants? Keep reading to find out the answer and whether there’s a way to help them shine again.
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Implants?
Sadly, you shouldn’t expect your dental implants to suddenly look whiter if you try to whiten your teeth. The ingredients cosmetic dentists use to remove stains are meant to penetrate porous enamel, not artificial materials. The more you try to bleach your restoration, the more you risk damaging it.
Crowns, bridges, and dentures that attach to dental implants are most commonly made from porcelain or ceramic and are stain-resistant. This means the chances of discoloration are much less than with natural teeth. However, daily wear and overexposure to dark-colored beverages can still cause them to diminish over time. So, if teeth whitening won’t work, what will?
How Can You Whiten Your Dental Implants?
No one wants an uneven, mismatched smile. When dental implants make up part of your grin, you want them to blend in, not stand out. What can you do?
Since professional teeth whitening isn’t an option for these restorations, you have two choices: brighten your teeth before getting implants, or remove your restoration, whiten your smile, and get a new crown, bridge, or denture that matches your brighter, pearly whites.
Both are investments in your smile’s appearance, and depending on whether you already have dental implants, you and your dentist can discuss the best course of action. Regardless of which approach you take, there are other ways to keep your restoration brighter and more beautiful:
- Brush your teeth twice daily and floss at least once a day
- Prioritize your biannual cleanings and checkups
- Limit or avoid darkly pigmented foods and drinks
- Rinse your mouth with water after every meal
Just because your dental implants may not look as bright right now doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Talk to your cosmetic dentist about your options, and get ready to feel good about your smile again!
About the Author
Dr. Stephen Boyles is a Midland dentist with more than a decade of experience. He earned his dental degree at Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry before becoming a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. He later obtained his Mastership. He places and restores dental implants in-house and offers cosmetic dental treatments to help keep smiles even and looking their best. Need help making your prosthetics brighter and more beautiful? Visit our website or call (432) 685–7011 to schedule an appointment.