Dental implants can revitalize smiles in ways that patients never thought were possible. By restoring the missing root and crown structure of teeth, they’re able to rebuild smiles to look and function as though they were 100 percent natural. All this confidence could inspire you to feel like addressing dental staining and discoloration that has occurred over the years, too. The only factor is that your dental implants aren’t exactly designed for whitening treatment. Read on to learn more about whether you can get teeth whitening if you have dental implants.
Can You Whiten Your Teeth with Dental Implants?
The answer to this question can be tricky. Teeth whitening products, like the professional whitening gel your dentist uses, are specially designed to break apart stains on the tooth’s porous enamel. This makes the gel able to penetrate the material, lift the discoloration, and leave you with a brighter smile. When you have dental implants, they’re likely topped with restorations that are made from either ceramic or porcelain, which are stain-resistant and non-porous materials. This means that the whitening gel doesn’t impact them the same way it will your natural teeth.
As a result, if you get teeth whitening with dental implants, any natural, existing teeth that you have will look brighter, and any implant restorations will stay the same color. So, while you technically could still whiten your natural teeth in your mouth, your dental implants won’t appear any brighter after treatment.
Is It Possible to Get Whiter Teeth, Even if You Have Dental Implants?
If you want a brighter smile and you haven’t received your implant restorations yet, you could discuss your goals with your dentist in Attleboro beforehand. Let them know that you want to whiten your teeth before your restorations are attached to your dental implants. This will allow them to complete the teeth whitening process and match the shade of your whitened teeth to your restorations so they’ll match.
If you want a brighter smile but you already have your implant restoration in your mouth, the only way you can whiten it without creating a two-tone effect between your natural and replacement teeth is to get a new restoration. This may be possible if it needs to be replaced anyways!
How Can You Maintain a Brighter Smile?
After investing in dental implants, you can also take preventive steps to maintain a brighter smile so you don’t feel the need to get teeth whitening in the near future. Some helpful tips include:
- Brush your teeth for two minutes each day and floss at least once a day.
- Visit your dentist every six months for routine checkups and cleanings.
- Avoid overindulging in staining foods and beverages like red wine, coffee, and tomato-based sauces.
- Eat more white dairy products and fibrous raw fruits and vegetables to help naturally remove plaque.
If you still find yourself wanting a brighter smile with dental implants in Attleboro, the best thing you can do is visit your cosmetic dentist to discuss your options! They’ll help you find the best way to brighten your natural and replacement teeth for even, harmonious results!
About the Practice
At Capron Park Dental, our team includes the joint knowledge and expertise of seven highly skilled dentists. With years of collective training and continuing education, our team is committed to providing patients with first-class care. By implementing the most effective, clinically-proved, and modern techniques and treatments available to us, we’re able to offer life-changing results, whether you decide to get teeth whitening, dental implants, or both! To schedule a consultation and learn more, visit Capron Park Dental’s website or call 508-222-5950.