Dental implants are a strong and beautiful form of tooth replacement. However, it can take a lot of time and money to get your new smile in place. You might wonder if it will retain its original appearance or if your dental implants will incur unsightly stains over time. This blog post explains what you should know, and it provides tips for keeping your new teeth as bright and attractive as possible.
Can Dental Implants Incur Stains?
Natural teeth get stained when pigments from food and drinks seep into the tiny pores in the enamel. Eventually, those pigments can cause the teeth to look yellow and dull.
The restorations (crowns, bridges, and dentures) on dental implants may look like natural teeth, but they have a significantly different structure. They are constructed out of a nonporous porcelain material. Pigments tend to slide right off of them, meaning that implant-supported teeth are highly resistant to discoloration.
However, just because they resist stains, that does not mean they are impervious to them. If the glaze on your restorations gets damaged, they could easily take on a dull, yellowish appearance.
Protect Your Implants from Discoloration
Fortunately, preventing discoloration on your implants is not difficult. Here are some simple steps you should take:
- Be gentle. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush, applying too much pressure when you brush, or eating very rough foods could damage the glaze on your implants. Try to be as gentle as possible.
- Choose the right toothpaste. A lot of toothpastes on the market today contain abrasive ingredients, which may be safe for natural teeth but potentially harmful to implant restorations. A non-whitening gel toothpaste is usually best.
- Avoid staining habits. Smoking, chewing tobacco, and overconsuming highly pigmented foods and beverages could adversely affect your smile’s appearance. Try to avoid the use of tobacco products altogether. Enjoy things like coffee and tea in moderation (drinking them through a straw can minimize their contact with your teeth).
What if Your Implants Are Already Stained?
If you notice that your implants do not look as nice as they used to, do not try to whiten them on your own. They will not respond to normal whitening products, such as toothpastes, gels, and strips. Instead, talk to your dentist. It might be possible to polish or reglaze the implants to restore their beauty. In some cases, replacement might be necessary.
Dental implants can give you a stunning smile that lasts for many years! Do your best to take care of them so they can live up to their potential.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Keyvan Kar is a general dentist and prosthodontist who specializes in creating beautiful, functional restorations. If you have questions about dental implants, or you want help to restore the appearance of your replacement teeth, Dr. Kar and our team are ready to help. Contact Advanced Dental Care of Allen at 214-260-9911.