To many people, straight, white, and uniform teeth are a sign of a healthy smile. For some, that includes having dental implants placed to fill in the gaps in their grin. If you recently invested in one or more dental implants, the last thing you’d want is for your new smile to look discolored and dull over time. So, do dental implants stain in the same way as natural teeth? Read on to learn more.
Can Dental Implants Stain?
Natural teeth can stain and become discolored when pigments seep into the enamel. Thinning tooth enamel may also make the yellow dentin, the core of the tooth, more visible. Since the restorations attached to dental implants don’t have dentin or tooth enamel, they can’t become discolored in the same way as natural teeth. In fact, the restorations are usually made from porcelain, which is nonporous and stain-resistant. Even so, there are still a few things that can cause dental implants to become discolored, including:
- If your tooth restorations are cemented into place as opposed to screwed on, the cement may become discolored over time.
- Dental implants are usually made out of titanium, and the dark color of the metal may show through the gum tissue. With a highly qualified oral surgeon, this can generally be avoided.
- The glaze on the tooth restorations may become scratched or damaged, which can make them look dull or stained.
Dental Implant Staining Prevention and Correction
To lessen the risk of your dental implant restorations becoming discolored, use a gentle toothpaste rather than an abrasive one that can scratch your them. Avoid tobacco products and limit how many stain-causing foods and drinks you consume. You can also drink dark beverages through a straw to minimize the amount of contact they have with your teeth. Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, floss once per day, and visit your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings to lower the risk of stains forming.
If your implant restorations are already discolored, make an appointment to see your dentist. They may be able to improve your smile’s appearance by replacing discolored cement, reglazing your restorations, or designing new ones. Don’t try to whiten your restorations at home with bleaching products. This will not yield good results since porcelain doesn’t respond to the same methods of whitening as natural teeth.
With proper care, dental implants and their restorations can retain their beauty for many years. Protecting them from discoloration can help you feel more confident and smile brighter than ever before!
About the Practice
From whiter teeth to extensive oral surgery, Dr. Nelson Howard aims to create more beautiful smiles for the whole family. Dr. Howard and his friendly team of oral health experts strive to make you feel comfortable and confident in the treatment you’re receiving. They also offer several tooth replacement options, including dental implants, and can help you keep them looking their best. If you’re interested in receiving dental implants or want to know how to keep them looking white and bright, call their Rancho Bernardo office at (858) 451-0550, their San Marcos office at (760) 599-6559, or visit their website.