Dental implants are made of all-ceramic material to look like real teeth. However, they shouldn’t discolor like your enamel. Unfortunately, simple mistakes can affect the appearance of your restorations. Not to mention, your enamel is still vulnerable to staining. Over time, this can lead to color inconsistencies, but don’t turn to teeth whitening products or you could make the problem worse. Here’s how to get a bright smile without risking your investment.
Dental Implants Are Stain Resistant
Dental implants are made of stain-resistant material, so they shouldn’t discolor with the correct care. Abrasive dental products can scratch the shiny coating on their surfaces, which can trap food particles and plaque that can make them look dark or dull.
Teeth Whitening and Dental Implants
Teeth whitening isn’t always recommended for patients with dental implants. It will not change the color of your restorations while your enamel gets lighter. This can cause your dental implants to stick out like a sore thumb.
Restorations are not porous, like your enamel, so whitening agents will not penetrate their surface to improve their color. Not to mention, whitening agents can weaken the bonding material holding your dental implant to your abundant.
Over-the-counter systems and at-home remedies can damage your dental implants because many are abrasive. They can also irritate the gum tissue, which can cause inflammation that can lead to an infection.
Options to Revamp Your Smile
If your smile isn’t as bright as it used to be, your cosmetic dentist can turn back the clock to revamp your pearly whites safely. They can remove your restorations and whiten your natural teeth using a highly concentrated whitening agent. They can shade new restorations to match the color of your teeth to create seamless results.
You can avoid discoloration by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to brush twice daily. Don’t forget to floss every night to remove any plaque buildup. Limit your consumption of dark foods and drinks to prevent staining your enamel. If you can’t resist a cup of coffee, rinse your mouth with water after you’ve finished. Don’t smoke or use tobacco to prevent tar and nicotine stains. Not smoking will also increase the lifespan of your dental implants.
Besides caring for your smile at home, visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. They’ll ensure your dental implants last for a lifetime while your smile continues to look its best.
About Dr. Ali Fulreader
Dr. Fulreader achieved her dental degree from the University of Maryland and has regularly pursued additional training to provide advanced services, like Invisalign and CEREC. She is affiliated with many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Illinois Dental Association. Request an appointment online or call (847) 908-5566.