If you have had tooth implants for a while, you may begin to notice discoloration, depending on the type of material used to make the implant crown. Usually, with more expensive options like zirconia, there should be minor or no discoloration, but cheaper options like plastic or composite may start to change color. If an implant crown gets stained, the only choice is to get a new crown.
Unfortunately, the truth is that conventional whitening methods do not work on tooth implants because the materials used for implants are not the same as natural enamel. Whitening toothpaste works by gently scratching the surface of the enamel to remove surface stains. If whitening toothpaste is used on acrylic dental implants, it would abrade the plastic and make it even more prone to staining. The plastic would be compromised, allowing stains to affect the crown. Professional whitening methods will have the same adverse effects.
Like almost everything in life, research is important before paying for tooth implants. The investment is huge and should be taken seriously. It is advisable not to take shortcuts when it comes to implants, due to the purpose they serve. The natural teeth perform many functions daily, which means implants made from low-quality materials will not last.
Patients seeking dental implants should ensure they receive high-quality restorations. Choosing cheap implant options is the same as choosing a temporary or short-term implant. Sooner or later, the patient will eventually end up in the dental chair again.
It is not possible to whiten dental implants. Teeth bleaching methods only work on natural teeth. The restoration used for dental implants is often made from porcelain. Also, implants themselves are highly resistant to stains, so they will not become discolored. Ideally, those undergoing a dental implant restoration procedure should have had their teeth whitened before getting porcelain crowns on the implants.
Some dental laboratories may be able to transform the color of an implant crown. However, it is usually to darken the material. It would be hard to make the crown look whiter because the color is baked in. Also, adding a porcelain veneer over the implant crown will not work as well. It will look awkward and probably not function properly.
The options for whitening are limited, but there is a way to improve the smile’s appearance. After teeth whitening for natural teeth, patients will need to replace the crowns on their implants as well. The new crowns will be customized to fit the rest of the teeth. Note that this does not mean undergoing the entire dental implant procedure all over again. Only the crowns will need to change. The posts and screws embedded in the jawbone will remain intact.
While traditional whitening methods do not work on tooth implants or their restorations, there are ways to improve the appearance of your smile. If it is time to replace the restoration, our dental team can walk you through the process. Call our New York office today to learn more or to schedule a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://elliottostrodmd.com or call Elliott Ostro, DMD at (212) 847-3833 for an appointment in our New York office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Tooth Implants in New York, NY.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can be the result of stress, as it can trigger muscle tension that can lead to bruxism, commonly called teeth grinding. Grinding teeth puts additional strain on your TMJ, leading to symptoms like an aching jaw, a clicking jaw, or difficulty closing or opening the mouth. TMJ disorders can also be…
Research reveals that your TMJ attaches the lower jaw to the skull. There is so much relying on the health of this joint. Even so, many factors lead to ailments affecting it. Understanding jaw joint disorders can help you maintain a healthy TMJ.TMJ dysfunction or TMD is a condition that causes pain in the jaw…
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can interrupt your daily activities. This condition can prevent you from performing oral functions with ease. You can call your dentist about your symptoms. Knowing how your general dentist can help you with your TMJ disorder symptoms can motivate you to schedule a visit soon.Diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders is part…
People who have pain in their temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may find that simple actions like chewing, yawning, or talking are painful. The jaw works quietly, but when something goes wrong, it draws attention. A full dental evaluation by a general dentist is still necessary, but home care strategies can often help between visits.The TMJ connects…
