When talking about improving their smiles, many people mean that they want to achieve whiter teeth. Teeth whitening is a popular way to achieve this brighter, more beautiful look. For those who have dental implants to replace missing pearly whites and are thinking about whitening their smiles, you might wonder if it will work. Keep reading to find out if it’s possible and to consider other options.
Can Dental Implants Be Whitened?
The top part of a dental implant is called the crown, usually made of porcelain. Unlike natural enamel, porcelain is less porous, making it resistant to stains.
However, because porcelain is different from your natural teeth, typical whitening treatments may not work well on it. This is because the stains can’t penetrate the porcelain surface as they do with natural enamel. So, professional whitening treatments usually don’t work effectively on porcelain crowns.
What If I Want to Brighten My Smile?
Achieving a uniformly white smile poses a challenge for those with dental implants due to porcelain’s resistance to bleaching solutions. This resistance can lead to noticeable color differences between the implant crown and adjacent natural teeth, potentially resulting in an unnatural appearance.
If you seek a brighter smile, two options are available. For those yet to undergo implant treatment, the recommended approach involves whitening natural teeth first and then matching the implant crown’s color to the new shade. However, for those with existing implants, gradual staining may occur over time despite porcelain’s resistance, necessitating alternative solutions to maintain a consistent smile.
If you notice discoloration on your dental implant, it’s best to seek advice from your dentist to discuss options for treating the stains and revitalizing your smile’s natural appearance. Your dentist might suggest replacing the porcelain on your dental implant as a solution. Following this, teeth whitening procedures can be employed to help bring back the natural radiance of your smile!
About Our Practice
At Clear Coast Dental, led by Dr. Hira Akbar, Dr. William Herr, and Dr. Andrew Luccio, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional dental care for the residents of New Bedford. Our team collaborates seamlessly to design customized treatment plans tailored to your individual needs and desires. With a shared enthusiasm for dentistry, each member of our team endeavors to cultivate a welcoming and positive atmosphere while delivering top-tier dental services. Whether you’re curious about teeth whitening in conjunction with dental implants or ready to schedule an appointment, you can visit our website or reach us at (508) 997-1030.
