Understanding Dental Implants and Teeth Whitening
Dental implants are a highly effective solution for restoring both the appearance and functionality of missing teeth. They provide a long-lasting, natural-looking replacement, but many patients wonder whether they can undergo teeth whitening treatments once they have implants.
The short answer is yes, you can whiten your teeth even if you have dental implants. However, it is important to understand that while whitening treatments will affect your natural teeth, the implant itself, particularly the crown, will not change color. This can lead to a noticeable difference in shade between your natural teeth and the implant if not planned correctly.
Will Teeth Whitening Damage Dental Implants?
The good news is that whitening treatments will not damage your dental implants. The materials used for implants, including titanium, porcelain, and ceramic, are highly durable and resistant to staining. These materials are chosen not only for their strength but also because they closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth.
Unlike natural enamel, which is porous and can absorb stains or whitening agents, dental crowns are non-porous and do not respond to bleaching. As a result, while your natural teeth can be brightened, your dental implants will maintain their original color.
How Teeth Whitening Affects Implants Differently Than Natural Teeth
Teeth whitening treatments work by using bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide to break down stains on the surface of the tooth. Because natural teeth are porous, these bleaching agents penetrate the enamel and lighten the shade of the tooth.
Dental implants, on the other hand, are made of materials that do not absorb bleaching agents. This means that no matter how strong the whitening treatment is, the implant will remain unchanged in color. If the implant is positioned toward the back of your mouth, any shade difference may not be noticeable. However, if the implant is in a visible location, such as the front of the mouth, the contrast between your whitened natural teeth and the unchanged implant crown could be obvious.
Options for Achieving a Whiter Smile with Dental Implants
Before Getting Dental Implants
If you are considering dental implants and also want a whiter smile, it is best to discuss your whitening goals with Dr. Dhawan before the implant procedure. One option is to whiten your natural teeth first, so that the final implant crown can be matched to the brighter shade of your teeth.
After Getting Dental Implants
If you already have dental implants and decide to whiten your teeth, you have a few options:
- Replacing the implant crown: If your implant crown no longer matches your whitened teeth, you can have it replaced with a new crown that matches the brighter shade.
- Polishing the crown: Although whitening treatments will not work on implant crowns, a professional dental cleaning and polishing can sometimes help remove surface stains and improve the appearance of the crown.
Preventing Tooth Discoloration
While dental implants do not stain, natural teeth can become discolored over time due to food, drinks, and lifestyle habits. To ensure that your natural teeth and implant crowns continue to blend seamlessly, it is important to take steps to prevent tooth staining.
Foods and Drinks That Cause Stains
Certain foods and beverages are more likely to stain teeth. These include:
- Dark-colored beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine
- Brightly colored foods such as berries, tomato sauce, and curry
- Sugary and acidic drinks like soda and sports drinks
Lifestyle Factors That Contribute to Staining
One of the worst culprits for tooth discoloration is smoking. Tobacco products can cause deep stains on natural teeth and should be avoided. Brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and rinsing your mouth with water after consuming staining foods or beverages can help maintain a brighter smile.
Planning Your Whiter, Brighter Smile
If your implant is older and seems whiter than your natural teeth, whitening may be a great choice to balance your smile. However, if you are concerned that whitening your teeth will make your implant crown look darker in comparison, you may still have options such as replacing or polishing the crown.
Every patient’s smile is unique, and consulting with a professional is the best way to determine the most suitable teeth whitening and implant care plan for you.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Dhawan today
Whether you are considering dental implants, teeth whitening, or both, Dr. Dhawan and the DICC team in Denver, Colorado, can help you achieve the bright and beautiful smile you desire. Schedule a consultation today to explore your options and develop a personalized treatment plan for your dental needs.
