Dental implants are a fantastic way to improve the overall look and functionality of your smile. If you have one or more dental implants, you may be wondering if you can have them whitened like your regular teeth.
Unfortunately, dental implants don’t respond well to whitening treatments. You can have your regular teeth whitening, but this will likely have no effect on your implants. The good news is that dental implants are naturally resistant to staining. Read on to learn more about dental implants and some helpful tips for keeping your natural teeth white.
Why Can’t You Whiten Dental Implants?
Most dental crowns are made with porcelain or ceramic. Traditional whitening materials are either too abrasive or won’t absorb into the artificial tooth, as it is a nonporous material. Whitening treatments won’t do much to an artificial tooth and may even cause damage.
The best way to ensure that your dental implants and natural teeth match is to have your teeth whitened before your implant surgery. Dental crowns are crafted to match the color of your natural teeth, so whitening your smile ahead of time can help ensure that all of your teeth look the same when you receive your implants.
Do Dental Implants Stain?
At this point, you may be disappointed to know that dental implants can’t be whitened. The good news is that high-quality porcelain crowns and veneers are highly stain-resistant, so you likely won’t need to whiten them in the future.
Superficial stains can easily be cleaned with regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits. Occasionally, the bonding materials used for dental implants can become discolored over time. Fortunately, is easily remedied with a professional polish.
Tips for Keeping a Bright White Smile
Even if you can’t whiten dental implants, there are still plenty of steps you can take to maintain a bright, white smile! Caring for your smile will not only help you avoid tooth stains, but it will also do wonders for your overall dental health and wellbeing.
Keep your smile bright and avoid staining by following these tips:
● Avoid drinking too many dark liquids (such as coffee, wine, or tea). The tannins in these drinks can stain your teeth over time. When you do enjoy these beverages, be sure to rinse your mouth out with water afterward.
● Take special care with sugary or acidic food and drinks. Foods and beverages that are very acidic or have a lot of sugar (like soda, coffee, and citrus fruits) can weaken the enamel of your teeth and make them more prone to staining. Again, rinsing your mouth with water afterward can help!
● Maintain a consistent dental routine. Keeping up with a healthy routine of regular brushing, flossing, and trips to the dentist will help you to avoid major staining and keep your teeth in good shape.
Dental Implant Care with Advanced Prosthodontics
At Advanced Prosthodontics, we take great care in helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Dr. Hersh has years of experience helping happy patients all over the Bethlehem area and will gladly talk you through all of your options when it comes to dental implants and how to care for them.
If you’re interested in dental implants or need some advice for proper care, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (610) 865-4222.